hello, put htis on a thread a while ago, but can never do searches, so will try to remember.
First, you child is unique, so what is a good school for one is not necessarily good for another. Eg, quiet shy child might not like big bustling school. Confident outgoing child might not like tiny village school.
So this is what I looked for, and I have tried to show where it was specific to my dcs:
atmosphere: lively, interesting school, lots of artwork on the wall, and hanging form the ceiling, a certain buzz of business.
class sizes and teachers, is the school so oversubscribed that the classes are bursting at the seams (32 in junior class)
standards: what is their ofsted rating (not definitive, outstanding schools are not necessarily the best, but it gives you a start)
differentiation: how do they cope with different levels in the class. Our school confidently explains they have 5 levels that they work to so the whole breadth of children get taught properly
gifted and talented - do they have a policy, what do they do (would expect to hear about groups of some sort for the brightest - not at reception level, but later
OR (and/or) how do they manage special needs? (would expect to hear confident reply about how they manage inclusion of special needs children in class)
multi-cultural, multi social class school, good mix of real life society
what after school clubs do they have (ds needed football!)
What do they do about music? (this was for dd)
Is there a field (would not go to a school without proper field)
Are the buildings inviting, warm and in good repair?
Read work that is on display. is the written work good? Is it sloppy and poorly written?
If it is relevant for you, do they have breakfast club or after school clubs if you work?
Do you want to walk to school? (don't underestimate how nice it is to be round the corner, and not needing to drive to school)
Are there any male teachers (especially if you have ds)
Is there proper outside play area for early years? Sand and water play should be permanently available, as should ride on cars, play house etc
Is reception set up as play based room with messy area, imaginative play area (home corner) book corner etc
Not all of these are essential. You choose what you compromise on. I would compromise on after school clubs if education was good. We ended up with no male teachers (but male football coach) and pretty old buildings, but school is great.
Hope that Helps