Choosing a Primary School

[woolytang]

Hello

I'm about to visit primary schools for the second time around (eldest is now 11) and armed with a bit of experience I know some of what I want to look for this time. Here are the things I want to know - I thought it might be useful for anyone doing primary admissions the first time:

Does the school do taster days before term starts?
Does the school have a phased introduction?
How many children do they intake at Reception?
What is the total school population?
What about school dinners - do they have their own kitchen? Are meals provided by third party or council?
What are the school hours?
Is there an after school club?
What is the average class size?
What system if any do they have to promote good behaviour - some schools use a green/amber/red card scheme or similar.
How may Teaching Assistants do they have?
Are there any male teachers?

I'm sure I've missed loads.

How many genuine places are there? My dd2 starts next September at dd1's school. It is one form entry and there are 22 siblings.

What is the homework policy?
What extra curricular activities are on offer, and at what age?
What facilities do the school have eg playing field, ICT equipment, playground facilities, music etc?
How do the years interact with each other eg separate paly areas for littlies, reading buddies in the older year groupd etc?

Ah yes - that's a good one about how the year groups interact, thanks :-)