Open days at primary schools - what am I looking for when I go and have a look round?

[HappyAsIAm]

DS is 3 yo, and will be starting Reception in September 2012. the local schools, state and private, are just starting to do open mornings, so I am trying to be organised and informed and plan on taking a look around as many as I can.

There are 2 decent state schools (Ofsted reports say that they are Good with Outstanding features) which we would have been offered by the LA for each of the last 2 years. The 2-form entry that they've done previously will continue. Good news! I am also going to have a look at some private schools just to feel that I am making an informed decision.

Neither DH nor I have set foot in a school since we left school at 18 nearly 20 years ago! I have no idea what to be looking out for, thinking about, or asking. I have looked at the Ofsted reports for the state schools, but thats about it. Could anyone give me any suggestions? I am daunted by how important a decision this will be for DS (and I freely admit to be PFB about him!) and I want to feel as informed as possible.

It's not so much what it looks like, but how it feels!
Do the children look happy and interested in what they are doing, who shows you round, do they know every child ( and more importantly talk to them!) do you think you like the Head, the ethos of the school will follow the Head's direction and if you don't like one, you may not like the other, does it feel like a place you would be happy to leave your child for 6 hour a day!

Yes, I'd put a lot of weight on atmosphere and gut feeling.
See how staff and children are interacting.
What are the noise levels like and is it busy "working" noise or out of control noise.

And call me old-fashioned but I think there is a lot to be said in looking seriously at the school closest to where you live in terms of playing out, sharing drop-off's and pick-up's. Also does it have a before and after-school club if needed?

Walking into a Reception class can be overwhelming - lots of chatting, lots of activities, loads to look at and take in.
Take a moment to adjust. Try focusing on watching just one group of children and how they are playing. If they seem busy, focused and engaged then you will be able to spot the purpose in their play, there shouldn't be any raised voices as such, just an active buzz.

The head teacher can really shape the school in their own image, so think about if you find them approachable and open.

Oh, and personally, I'm not keen on schools where displays are all about the adults. If classroom displays have lots of writing by teachers on the walls but fewer children's pictures, or if the foyer of the school shows all their "investor's in people" type awards but not photos of recent field trips etc.

I'm sure loads of other people will have more suggestions for you. Go by your gut feel and good luck.

Look at the display boards. If the same names keep cropping up and all of the work is very neat then I'd be concerned that they leave some out.

It might be worth going first to one of the schools you doubt you'd choose, so that some of the things that can create a negative impression, but are actually found in all schools, don't colour your view. By that I mean the noise (even well run classes can seem raucous) and the sight of ENORMOUS KS2 children in large numbers who may seem like vast, fast aliens compared to you little one.

Do look out for happy children and a purposeful "buzz". Try to see how the children move round the school - how are they when under minimal supervision, do they barge around or move happily? Is the artwork on the walls recent? (Bad indicator if it's still fireworks). Have there been any recent concerts or plays? Where was the last school trip? Ideally you want to be shown around by a pair of pupils - ask what they like best about the school, and least, and if they were HT for the day, what would they want to do.

Do look at the loos - there's bound to be some untidiness, but is it just one break's worth or are they hideous? Also, is there much litter generally?

Ask a teacher if there were one thing they could change, what would it be?

Thanks all for your practical advice. All much appreciated. I am looking forward to it now that I feel a bit more prepared.

DS is probably quite average at the moment, if I'm honest. No special circumstances around him that I'm aware of. Though obviously I have high hopes for the future!

meditrin got there first, do look at the loos, they are very significant to a small child and can be frightening... and smelly