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If looking round prospective schools - what exactly should I be looking for - checklist anyone?

5 replies

pipkin35 · 24/01/2011 12:43

Got a couple of appts to view possible primary schools. Never done this before. DS not due to start til 2012, but we need to move.

I've read the latest Ofsted reports but am aware that they don't tell the whole story!

Am wondering if any of you have advice about what I really should be looking for?

What questions should I be asking etc....

Any help or ideas appreciated?!
Many thanks

OP posts:
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PaisleyLeaf · 24/01/2011 12:55

When I was visiting prospective schools, I found that what I thought of the Head had a big impact on my feelings about the school.

ilovemyhens · 24/01/2011 19:44

You can't always go on what the Ofsted Reports say. Have a look at The Good Schools Guide.

We've just pulled our ds2 out of an 'Outstanding' Primary School into a 'Good' school as the 'Outstanding' school was so bad.

girliefriend · 24/01/2011 19:50

2nd meeting the head and trusting your instincts. Also things like clubs, school dinners, how they deal with bullying, do the children seem happy and relaxed. What is the general ethos of the school. I looked round loads of schools as my dd started school last sept and some of the 'good' schools I didn't really like, one had a head that thought he was a comedian (he wasn't) another the kids looked miserable. I think go with an open mind, don't be snobby about schools because of the area they are in either as some of the best schools with the most resources are in the deprived areas.

admission · 24/01/2011 19:51

I would agree that the head is important to any school and it is about the feel of the school.
Does it feel that it has a buzz to it or is it like a mausoleum.
Go with your gut instincts on the schools and you be right more than you are wrong.

RoadArt · 24/01/2011 20:15

Your initial feeling will be the main reason for selecting a school.

How did you feel when you walked round the school?
Ask to observe a class teaching maths or literacy, and ask to see older classes as well as reception.
Where the children happy, engaged? What did you think of the teaching style, what was on the walls?
Do they focus on academics or arts (all schools have same targets but have individual priorities)
What do they offer for the children - sports, clubs, after care etc
Playground facilities - are they allowed to play out when it is raining. Can they get dirty? Are the kids smart clean and tidy, or grubby and happy?

What is the teaching style, is it formal, or very much learn through play, or somewhere in the middle. (schools are different).

If you are interested in academics, results, etc., ask questions and see what responses you get. SOme schools cant be bothered telling you, others will be very informative.

What do the schools do to develop the whole child needs, social, interaction, etc in addition to academics.

Ask locals for feedback, shopkeepers, neighbours etc., for reputation, views, comments.

My choice of school was changed at the last minute when I went to visit a school that I had always written off, because of the area it was in, and it was fantastic.

You and your friends will have different ideas of what is a good school, but you need to find one that YOU like and feel comfortable with.

If you still cant decide, look long term and the feeder system into the high school.

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