best time to visit a school

[bigwellylittlewelly]

Bombing the board a bit but we are hoping to look round several schools prior to listing our choices and meet with the head (DC has a disability and we want to ensure her needs are met), obviously its the start of term so not a good time as everyone is settling in.

Do you think contacting the schools in a few weeks time would be acceptable?

)

I find it takes two weeks for schools to settle after the Summer holiday.Everyones true character will start to emerge then iyswim .good luck.

I think I'd ring up now to be honest. Schools often run open mornings or school tours for prospective parents and they can sometimes be as early as Sept. You don't want to miss out.

I would drop in to make an appointment at transitional times such as lunch time, assembly and playtime because you will see the general behaviour in the school. Obviously you won't be able to get an appointment at those times because they are busy. Also pass by at the end of the day and see how the children behave out of school.

I'd contact them now and arrange meetings for in a few weeks' time- that way, the SENCo may be able to meet with you and you can get a more detailed picture of the support each school offers.

We looked round in the May because DD also has a disability. It is worth explaining when you phone that you'd like to apeak to the senco when you visit and explain why. I didn't want to go round at the same time as a crowd of other parents because I needed time to discuss DDs particular needs. Most schools are happy to do this, and the one school that would neither let mecspeak to, nor meet, the wrnco was quickly crossed off our list.

Thanks Galena that is my preference too, DD's CP is mild (not needing adaptations for example) but she has an amount of sensory seeking behaviour and poor concentration so I'd quite like to know more about how the school might deal with those factors. We also had random seizures to contend with and I know of some schools who will not give the rescue drugs she requires. Again - something I'd prefer not to overshare with others!

DD has CP too. Again, no adaptations needed, just a little girl who is very aware of her vulnerabilities and needed support to settle in mainstream. No seizures though - and no other issues so far...