Questions to ask whilst on primary school visit?!

[kittycartier]

We're going to see our 3 yr old DS's school on Friday. I feel a bit of a dope but I don't know what I should ask! I am really old and I went to school in the time of Dickens....

Do I need to ask anything? I'm all a bit of a faff. I don't want to look like I don't care or that I can't wait to get rid of him but cannot get my head around this school business!

He doesn't start until next year so I suppose I have a while to think of something!

Thanks in advance!

Claire

If it is still a year away you don't HAVE to ask anything, they should show you round and tell you 'how it all works'. BUT - some schools do this better than others (as in all things educational).

So, if you WANT to ask, and appear knowledgeable, try:

What Phonics scheme used?

Are ALL early scheme books phonically decode-able?

Is there a library; how often used by Reception class?

What 'learning through play' activities in Reception?

How much PE, games and physical activities?

Break and lunch time arrangements.

Computers, white-boards, and other ICT 'tech' in classrooms/computer suite.

What art, craft, construction toys in classroom?

Music, drama, dance etc.

Lunch time and after school activities or clubs? (Though personally I think a day in Reception is enough for some kids, and clubs can wait for subsequent years.)

Oh! and observe if the children, teachers, TAs, 'dinner ladies' (MTAs), all look happy, and displays are attractive, and pots of pencils are SHARP! (You would never believe how many children are expected to learn to write with totally blunt pencils!)

Some of this will vary a lot according to the size of the school.
(If you don't understand any of their replies, come back to me! Also, I don't suggest you ask ALL of the above!)

Hope you enjoy it!

Now retired, I was a TA (male) 25 years in primary schools, so Education changed considerably during that time.

I think the only question I asked was, "is it always this noisy?"

I found you get a gut feeling for a school. I actually liked the chatty nature of our school, as some schools had seemed very stuff and formal.

I asked about how they deal with bullying etc, and the big red flag for me was schools who said 'oh we don't have any bullying'. I also asked about pastoral care, about how do they manage things for younger kids who are exhausted at the start of schooling, and in our case for kids who know no one (dd came from an outside nursery).

Thank you! Will let you know how I get on x

Watching with interest, as was about to start a similar thread.

I would recommend checking the toilets - are they clean? Do they let dcs go when they "need" to, do they provide help if needed etc.

You will probably find they answer all your questions/concerns as you go round!
And don't be afraid to ask as many questions a you need to.
I would ask what your child is expected to be able to do on their own so you have time for them to practice say getting dressed and undressed as they will be expected to do this for P.E!