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Preschool education

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Visiting an infant school tomorrow...

4 replies

MrsHelsBels74 · 19/11/2013 21:54

DS1 will be starting school next September & we're visiting our first school tomorrow evening. I have no idea what I should be looking for or questions to ask. Any tips?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Ferguson · 20/11/2013 00:00

What Phonics system and reading scheme are they using? How do they approach Numeracy? What are the schools strengths in art & crafts, music, PE & games, outdoor activities, nature and the environment.

Playtime, snack, lunchtime arrangements. Do the displays look attractive. If you can, see the hall, resources area, computer suite, do classrooms have interactive whiteboards (and if they do there need to be good window blinds, otherwise the sun shines in and the poor kids can't see anything.) And try to visit the toilets (don't be shy, if this is your first visit you need things to compare with when you visit other schools.)

What do they have in the way of sand and water play, 'home corner', or similar for the youngest ones. Do they have bikes and ride-ons for outdoor play, climbing frame etc.

How do they help children who cry or are unhappy. Ask about safeguarding policy and procedures. How do they handle bullying (in all it's forms).

Evening isn't really the best time to visit, as you need to feel the 'ethos' of a school, and how children and adults interact, so if it looks OK, try to get another visit during a school day. Have a look at their website and latest Ofsted reports before you go.

Good Luck.
PS: I'm a retired male TA, worked twenty years in Primary schools.

MrsHelsBels74 · 21/11/2013 10:49

Thanks for the tips. It's all a bit overwhelming at the moment!

OP posts:
nearlyreadytopop · 01/12/2013 13:17

ferguson thank you! really useful post. I have my first preschool open morning this week and have no idea what to expect. Do you know if its ok to bring the child along?

HollyMadison · 01/12/2013 13:40

Teacher/pupil ratios. Scope for parent involvement (if that is something you'd be interested in). Extracurricular activities and if you pay for them. Take note of the auditory environment, by this I mean how easy it is for the children to hear the teacher - so carpet/matted floors and cork boards on walls are better for listening than open windows and chairs scraping on hard floors.

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