viewing a school, what to ask.

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, I'm going to go and look at our local primary school very soon. I want my daughter to come too, she's 3.5.
What questions should I be asking?
I know they use jolly phonics which is great because we are doing that at home. I really want to be involved in the school as much as possible. My daughter has a speech disorder but I'm hoping it won't be too much of a problem when she starts school. She is intelegent in every other way, and is very caring and thoughtful.
I would like the chance to talk to her future teacher and find out what help she could recieve.
Also, what sort of things should I look for in the school.
Thanks.

Thanks everyone, I'm going to view our local primary next week and I'm taking my daughter with me. The receptionist sounded lovely, so that's a start.
She'll get the SENCO to talk to us on the day too which is good.
Thanks for all your advice.

That sounds good.

If they are willing to get the senco to meet with you I think it sounds as though they would want to be welcoming and supportive of children with special needs.

Hope it all goes well for you.

Yes, it does sound good. I'm looking forward to going and finding out about it.

Hi I just went to view a school (read the offsted reports already for the two nearest us) and my list of questions was:
Class sizes
Ratio of staff/teaching assistants etc to class
Cost of uniform
Breakfast club?
How much
After School club?
How much
Cost of school dinners and can I see this weeks menu
Where do they keep packed lunches till lunchtime for those that bring them
Any foods not allowed to be brought
How to they 'break them in' ie half days first few weeks
Do they have SEN co-ordinator/special person
Do they assist slower children/encourage brighter children
Do they get homework

In the end I didn't even need to ask anything - all the information came out as the head teacher talked to us taking us round.

I always ask what they do about bullying. It is a fab question because it tells you heaps about the school.
If they say they don't have a bullying policy because they have no bullying then they are idiots so scratch them.
If they find you a bit of paper with their bullying policy then they are a 'lip service' kind of school.
If they talk to you about mentors and worries boxes etc then they are honest and open to the needs of the kids. For me the pastoral stuff is always a deal breaker.

Pagwatch - have added that to my list for when I visit the 2nd school next week.

Yes, I've read the prospectus and it says about worries boxes and mediators. They also have friendship stops in the play grounds. They have a lunch club for children who find play times a bit too much.

I've seen the uniform price list and all they sell is a school jumper for £11 and a baceball cap for £4. and a PE bag.
I suppose you can buy the pinnafore, shirts anywhere.