Viewing schools...

[mammadiggingdeep]

Am currently looking at schools for dd1 reception place (2014). Am a teacher so obviously am very familiar with school environments, running if day etc. I've done lots of research on the schools, ofsted, talked to parents, websites etc.

I've looked at 3 but the one I wanted for my first choice had an open evening which I couldn't make due to work commitments. When I tried to make another viewing they have offered me another evening, in January. The form is due in on the 14th but my main concern is the time slot is after the school day again.

All the other viewings have been done during the school day. Just wondering if any other schools are so strict on out if school tours only??

For me, I really gauge a lot from seeing the school during the day, children at work, the atmosphere etc. what are your experiences? Is this unusual? Have other schools been more accommodating than this?

Bump

I wouldn't be very impressed with a school that didn't show prospective parents round during the school day.

Thanks for replying- I'm stewing over it a bit. It's the most popular local school and the reason given was because too many parents want to view, it would be disruptive to children. I totally get that BUT it's quite important to the whole process. They also aren't very accommodating with offering another date. The last one was mid week 4.30-6.30 and then they're offering another one 5 days before firms are due in at 4pm. The secretary was quite clear that 'they would only do a very brief tour' at that time.

Am I wrong to get a bit put off? The school that I work at would be delighted that parents cared enough to see the school in working mode... Am confused as to whether its a big deal? I just can't ever imagine putting down a choice of school that we hadnt seem children in!!!!

It's absolute nonsense that it would be disruptive to children to have a dozen or so parents traipsing round for an hour or so during the school day.

This would completely put me off, but that's a tough call if the school is very locally popular as it feels that there must be a good reason why it is so.

What did you think to the other schools?

It depends how many people want to see it though. A dozen parents wouldn't be a problem, but what if it was 360 ? At what point do people suggest a school have to manage the situation a bit ?

I know! I'm wondering if this is their attitude to parents...most schools now bend over backwards to foster good relationships with parents from the start. Why would you want patents to choose your school without seeing it in operation? Meh.

I liked the others, one was outstanding but I was shocked by the lack of children's work and stimulus on the walls. The rooms were quite depressing! However, I could look past this as the children were working so purposefully and all really engaged and loving being there. This is what I mean, hard to get a full picture without seeing the whole deal.

The others are good schools and quite creative- less academic than the one I haven't seen I think.

I really thought I had in mind what I wanted to do choice wise (not that we get a choice in London, that's a joke!!) but now I'm having to rethink it all...

Yeah, I get that backforgood... Trying to be reasonable but all the other schools are much more accommodating. The outstanding school I mentioned is just as popular and has an even smaller building.

Sorry Mamma - I was replying directly to Christina re the numbers.
If you are teaching though, then surely you won't be able to go and look round during the day anyway ?

Well I'm part time and also my head is flexible as she understands. The evening that the school held the main 'tour' 4-6 happened to be our staff meeting which I was leading that week- couldn't get away.