Off to look at a school for DS this morning. Is there anything you would ask in particular?

[Trazzletoes]

Just that really - I've never done this before so not sure what I'm looking out for!

Especially at the moment he's physically disabled, but no idea whether he will be better by the time he starts school. He can't walk and is still in nappies.

But also what do you look out for even if you have a healthy child?!

I know wrap around care is important for us so I need to ask about that as they have an after school and breakfast club but I think it's very very popular.

The feeling of the place is important.
Outdoor space, music rooms, library... little extra that the kids can access.

The tour of the school is very important so you can see the teachers and children interact. Are the children already there happy, polite, talking freely to the teachers. Are the teachers kind and take care of everybody.

I have been to a school where all the children looked sad and litless and one on the other hand where the children where running wild screaming and running on the tables even if they obviously loved the teacher in the 2nd one, I avoided those 2 for DD1.

I asked about provision if a child is delayed (DD2 has a speech delay) support without making them feel stupid. Do the children have time to adjust, I think infant should be like a preschool more than a school.

If a school doesn't take you in to watch a lesson I would be very worried about what they had to hide

Hello, I've seen your other threads, so aware what a difficult year you have had. I'm wondering though whether your ds should have a statement of special need as then he would be top of the list and you would get your first choice of school. I think looking round a school is very much a gut feeling. Do the children look happy.? Do ask about applying for statement. Hope it goes well today. And thinking of you. I will be donating blood again next week and I always think of your ds then.

Oooooo Trazz - how exciting!

Yes to all the physical space, indoors and out, but more than that for me is the feel, tis hard to put into words, but is there a buzz, are the children happy and bustling? How are children and staff interacting? Nothing would worry me note than children looking listless, bored, and being too quiet!

What sorta welcome do you get? Are you made to feel comfortable? Are you taking him? I had to take both mine, and they were very much welcomed too. That was all very telling. DD was encouraged to do a painting when we saw Reception. If you are shown round by the Head, it is always interesting to see how the children react I think.

I wasn't overly worried by SATs scores etc, and I think any tour where those are the only real topic, will give you a flavour too, and not in a good way. OFSTED reports only give some information, interesting yes, but don't always reflect the heart of a school.

I love looking at all the stuff on the walls, and I would be worried if there was a display of 30 identical snowmen/ whatever - much rather see 30 all very individual creations. Wouldn't want any creativity or enthusiasm stifled.

I don't think I've ever written 'stifled' before, is that right?

Yes to practical stuff too obvs, admission criteria, think about travelling when you go today, how easy is it, because it will be your life for a long time, when they go full time etc, but you may well be giving info like that in a booklet.

Hmm, I think on, but enjoy!

I would ask what they plan to do with your ds when there's an activity he can't access easily.
The correct answer is a look of and a we will-make-sure-all-activities-are-accessable, surely every school does that reaction.
If there is anything that's obvious (eg school trips/stairs/Pe lessons) you can ask directly how they will manage that.

If they start blethering on about doing their best, and they'll make sure, but there will be things he can't join in and they'll make sure he's not left on his own... then run for the hills!

For generally, it's the feel. A child running up to the teacher to show them a picture they've drawn or tell them what they did at the weekend, is something that I look out for.

Thank you all for your help. It was a very interesting morning and it seems the ball may now be rolling to have him "statemented" or something. Which sounds like it should be a good thing. I hope.

Will see how the other local schools compare.

And yes, lovely Pistey, stifled is right.

Whereas custard is wrong.

If a child needs extra help at school, whatever that might be, a statement will ensure that they get that, they look at a child's learning needs and work out how best to support, the statement itself is a legally binding document which describes what extra help must be given, what part the school must play, this can vary widely, for example one to one support or needing specific resources. They are reviewed annually because obviously needs change.

To get one into place before he starts would be a very good thing. The process is called statutory assessment and as parents you can ask your local authority to start the process.

Once in place, you have a right to say which school you would like him to attend. It will mean that you can choose just the right school for him, and not worry about over subscribed, too far away etc.

So a good thing for him. [ThumbsUp]