Asking around state secondaries during normal school days

[Flonta]

We’re looking at moving to a different catchment for a very popular comprehensive. DC is going into year five.

We don’t want to go on the market until we’ve done the last check by visiting our preferred school and our current catchment schools. However, open days are of course in late September and we’d like to go on the market earlier in the month. Because of this, and also because we are also particularly interested in an open conversation with SENDCOs, we’d like to request a visit on a normal school day.

I know many schools do offer this, but in practice, how is it likely to be received close to open days? I don’t want to be ‘that’ parent from the get go - but then are there likely to be numerous year sixes doing the same and it’s not a big deal to ask?

ETA title should obviously read ‘Asking to go around’.
Hot and tired!

Most secondary schools local to me offer daytime tours in the first half term- with an open day late September/early October.

Just seen DC is going into Y5. Schools normally state Y6 families only but not sure how they would know.

Yup. We’ve clocked we may have to be a little quiet about that - although the ideal school is so popular there’s no way we’ll be the only ones at the open evening.

Unfortunately, if history is anything to go by, our local schools all do an evening in late September - no daytimes - although it’s more the timing within the month, rather than day/eve, that I’d like to squeeze!

Local schools near us do guided tours in late September/October, where you walk around with a group of other families. No problem with being Y5 or Y6 but you have to book a tour on a set date.
I am not sure that schools can have people walking around at their own convenience - but of course, no reason not to ask.
I think wanting to talk to SENDCO is different and maybe could be arranged?

You could go on the market and then if you view the school before selling and it's not what you want, you could withdraw from the sale (just don't accept any offers until you are sure)

When my DS was going into Y5, I emailed the SENDCos of all the schools I was interested in, and said I would like to chat about how my son might be supported at their school. Most were happy to chat on the phone (one really put me off by what they said in the conversation) - and one said I really needed to visit and get a feel for the school, same as buying a house. We were invited in for a meeting, and a tour by a couple of the Y8 kids.
Funnily enough, that was the school we chose, and it has been perfect for DS.

As a sendco I show parents round. The school doesn’t do tours outside the open days though

Wouldn’t it be better to see whether your house sells and you find something you want to buy? You would need to make an application in the autumn term of Year 6, so you have some time. It also depends on how the housing market is where you are. The SEND department will be open on the open evening and you can request an individual appointment at another time. Probably when a place has been offered and accepted. They may offer enhanced induction too.

they won’t in a million years remember you to make you “that parent” so you may as well just ask

Well, no - it would be shown round by staff or a student!

Thank you all. I may start by sounding out the SENDCOs.

Sorry, I thought it was clear I meant you would be shown around, not walking around on your own. This is what I meant by tours.

Yes, I think I misunderstood what you meant by ‘walking around at their own convenience’ - apols if so; beyond tired.

I’d just give the school a quick call and ask. Loads of parents want a look around before open days, so it’s not unusual. If they can’t fit you in, they’ll say so, but often they’re happy to show you round on a normal day.

Most state schools around us won't do an individual tour, but I would definitely email all the senco's of the schools you're interested in and ask questions.