Off to visit the first primary school this afternoon - what do I need to ask?

[DustingOffTheDynastySuit]

Things I'm thinking about so far are

What is their preferred policy re allocating twins classes? And how flexible are they on that? (They are a dual-intake school and I have twins, natch )
Do they reshuffle classes for Y1?

Some practical stuff -
How oversubscribed were they last year?
Do they have wraparound care or holiday clubs on site?

When it comes down to style of teaching I'm not sure what to ask - what approach do they use to reading/phonics I guess?
Do reception children have homework? And higher up the school how much?
How much PE/outside time do they have in a week?

What else should I be asking?
Thank you!

I'd be asking about pastoral care (and maybe something about bullying though I think schools are wise to that being a question and have a pre-prepared answer ready!).

I guess you should think about what is important to you and would influence your choice of school. Does it really make a difference to you if they shuffle the classes in Y1 or not?

Actually I think the class arrangement is going to be really key for us as we're trying to decide whether and how to separate the DTs. If they could be together for Reception but then with - hopefully - new friends in Y1 that would probably be ideal. Obviously for 90% of kids t's probably not important.

Pastoral care in what sense? Support for kids that aren't settling, or more serious stuff?

I always say to ask about bullying and SEN. Their responses will tell you a lot about how they see 'their' children.

As you have twins, yes, you want to ask about how and when they shuffle the classes. They'll generally do what you want with reception (together or apart) but after that it will need to be based around what they do with the rest of the kids.

Ask about reception style -free flow, formal lessons etc.

I'm starting to realise that I don't really know how primary schools teach children of different abilities (DH went to a large prep school so would've been fiercely streamed, I went to a very small rural school with a very enlightened headmaster who basically let me direct my own reading and a lot of my own learning from quite a young age).

What are the most common ways of handling a group of 60 very mixed age and ability reception kids and upwards when it comes to key stuff like reading/writing/maths skills?

I have a hunch my two will both be strong (& weaker) in different stuff, so I'd like them to be pushed, without competing, IYSWIM

Ask the school!

Often with phonics they will do different groups moving at different speeds after a while. DD's 60 children split into four groups - two groups with teachers and two with TA's. Maths was mostly done as a class but there were groups for extension and extra assistance.

Streaming is rather old fashioned and cruel on small children IMO. Most schools would be more like setting but I'd run a mile from a school that called it that! Most would just know they were in Owl group for phonics etc.

Common methods of differentiating work

• setting across the year (probably for each of maths, reading, writing)
• differentiated groups within a class (probably for each of maths, reading, writing)
• mixed ability groupings where children are given a choice of challenge on every task
• most children do a common task but weaker children are offered extra support and children who get the concept quickly are given extension work

... though quite possibly differentiation is more light touch in REception and more defined as you go up the school

(but bear in mind that whatever the school tells you happens now may have changed by the time your DC finish Reception!)

The latest Ofsted report and data dashboard will give you a god idea of how they're doing.

"bear in mind that whatever the school tells you happens now may have changed by the time your DC finish Reception!"

Given the reshuffles we've had since we moved to this county, that is a very good point Redsky!

Well, it will give you an idea of certain test based indicators, certainly.

Don't get carried away with ofsted though. A good school can easily be a better fit for your particular child than an outstanding one. And some of the outstanding schools round my way haven't had a proper inspection for over 7 years - so do look at the date!!

Yep, I'm not sure Ofsted is a particularly great guide here as there's been some big restructuring and I don't know if the schools have all been inspected since.

Well it's a help. Mind you our Ofsted report is awful, we were classed as requiring improvement this year after being outstanding last time. Yet we have a waiting list of people desperate to get their kids in. It's a lovely school with a great atmosphere, wide range of activities and pastoral care. Ofsted can be very revealing though. It will give you a rough idea of the school's plans.

Ask about bullying - if they tell you they don't have a problem with it, they are probably lying/deluded.
IME schools like to split up twins after reception, unless their mother puts her foot down.(mum of twins)