What to look for on a school visit??

[SarahPT]

DS starts primary school next September but in a fit of being on the ball I've organised visits to the 2 most likely schools over the next week.

Have never had to choose a school before so has anyone got any tips on what to look for or what questions to ask ???

Has anyone got

Ignore that random last sentence! Silly phone!!

have a look in the primary school section

Check the league tables and Offsted reports for an idea of results. In the school look at the work of the children on the walls. See if there's plenty of equipment, and the place looks well-organised. Ask about the things you can't see... class-size, how long the teachers have been there, bullying policy, expectations on homework etc. Finally, ask people who have children at the school what they think of the place.

Look at the children in the class, is there a happy buzz in the classroom, is it rowdy or unnaturally quiet.