How to choose a primary school

[meganandlucymummy]

How do we choose? We are in a fortunate position that there are several schools within our area with places. We've looked at the Ofsted reports and they all seem quite positive. What do we benchmark against? Thanks for any advice you can offer x

have a look around them see what u think, ask the heads about discipline/praise etc

And take your children with you - that way you'll see whether they are likely to fit the school, and they can tell you which school they prefer and why. Not that I believe they should have the final say, but they may notice aspects of the schools that adults wouldn't.

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I'm coming up to this too. People have been telling me to look ahead to what secondrary schools the primary feeds into - since secondary schools apparently have more definite 'good' and 'bad' schools.

I live in East London - and all the local ofsted reports say 'appalling results' 'high social deprivation' n'low level of entry attainment'. It all makes me nervous, even if a couple of the schools have had good write ups for 'soft qualities' like praise/support/discipline.

It's so difficult isn't it. Do you just ring up and ask to arrange to have a look round? My DD1 is only 2 at the moment, but we will be going abroad for a year with my husbands work, returning the month before she is due to start school - hence why I am starting to think about it now. Could the school change drastically between now and when she starts school and would the head be willing to see us so early on?

definitely ring now and ask for an appointment, and I would also ring the Education Authority at your local council, because you may be in difficulties getting a place if you are only coming back the month before she is due to start - their systems usually mean you have to apply (and be in catchment area) almost a year before she is due to start.

One thing you might find helpful to bear in mind is to really study your child and what she needs - just because a school may have a fantastic reputation for results at SATS or something does not mean it will suit your child. Go for the school that suits her best, eg if she is say extremely sensitive, go for one that has an extremely felxible approach to reception year, and a nurturing feel rather than one which places great pride on how independent their reception year kids are.

Hope this helps!

meganandlucymummy, just bite the bullet and ring the schools. I would have thought the Heads would be happy to see you, particularly given your circumstances. Surely they should be pleased at the prospect of such a well-organised parent as you sending your children to their school. I looked when my eldest was 2. Yes, the school might change completely in a year, but that's a bit unusual.

Oh, and when you do ring a school, don't be surprised if the Head answers the phone!

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