Private School Tour

[Dinosauraddict]

Hi, we're viewing a possible private school next week for DS. Multiple friends have children there so it has come highly recommended. DS is only a baby (currently in a separate nursery) but forward thinking as our area has below average state schools - particularly for secondary. We'd put him in from 3 or 4 right the way through to at least 16 and probably 18. So, 1) do we have to take the baby with us when we do the tour? It's over a nap time and a feeding time and I worry he'll get grisly. 2) What questions should I be asking when we look round?

I wouldn't take him, he'll get no benefit from being there and you'll be distracted if he's grizzly.

I would probably say, unless the school has a long waiting list I wouldn't go and visit until about a year before the child is due to start.

You will know your own child's personality much better at that age and know whether the school is a good fit. Plus things can change at the school in a couple of years so it's better to see it closer to the time.

Questions to ask

• what are the class sizes (primary and secondary)

• how long have staff been there (especially the head)

• what is the ethos of the school/how would they describe the feel for the school

• what languages are taught and from what age

• what extra curriculars are there

• what is the structure of the school day

• how does the school communicate with parents/keep them up to date

I second lobsteroll Unless this is a school that expects you to apply years in advance to guarantee a place, I really wouldn't bother going to see it now. I'd look in the 18 months before child's entry date. You will have a much better idea of whether it is right for your child then, and if it is there is then plenty of time to apply and get a place. I'm surprised schools are doing tours at the moment. You really won't get a true reflection of what the school will be like for your child viewing it with all the Covid restrictions at the moment. Chill and enjoy your baby. There's plenty of years ahead to have the education worries

Yes absolutely

Is there a particular reason you're looking round the school when he's so young?

You definitely don’t have to take the baby and it’s probably better if you don’t so you can concentrate better. We live in London and had to register our children at about 2 years old for their school so I know where you are coming from.
Given COVID I would also ask, what provisions for learning the school made in lockdown (not that relevant for nursery but further up the school it would be), was their any discount given to parents, are they a non-selective through school or do children who are low achievers get asked to leave before secondary . Do they intake at 7,11 and 13? What is their SEN provision (My child was diagnosed as dyslexic at 8 and this had never crossed our minds until then). Also how many children stay on at 11, and 16+ and how many leave - where do they go and why? . Is there sports facilities on site or off site . do they stream for maths and English further up the school.
Phew - that’s all I can think of for now.
Best advice I can give though is to remember that schools fluctuate in performance all the time and this usually comes and goes with new heads. Look at the school for now and decide if it will suit up to 11. If it does then you can worry about the rest later.
Ooh and most important of all - do the kids look happy? If they are happy they will learn

Schools here are doing online tours as no visitors are allowed into the buildings. Could you do that now (easier with the baby) but I guess if they are allowing you in to school that’s up to them. I’d definitely wear a mask though and keep your distance as best you can.

I’m amazed a school is offering tours at the moment especially for someone who is years off going!

Tbh I’m surprised they are letting you in the school. We moved our Dd to a different private school over summer and we had to make do with video tours.

We’re still not allowed in the school at drop off and pick up, have have to stand at designated spots.

You’ve got 3/4 years yet. I’d just wait.

Thanks everyone. Will leave the baby at home with DM! Will be wearing masks. There's quite a waiting list for this school (some people register for reception when pregnant apparently). We'd also consider moving DS to their nursery next year for consistency if we were particularly impressed. Being honest a mum at the school the other day (who I'm friends with) made me feel a little rubbish that I hadn't yet sorted this out and also that if I didn't act soon I would basically jeopardise my DC's entire future She didn't mean it that way but it got me to arrange a tour ASAP.

Definitely go and see more than one school
Don't worry about it being an "all through " school (you may not actually want that when your child is 11)
Check what they do at the common entry points (i.e. at 11 is there a test to progress to the upper school? How would you feel if your child was asked to leave?)
Do you like the feel of the school?
Think (very) carefully about your baby - you really have no clue what they are going to be like academically until they are 8/9 years old.