Prospective parents open days

[cityrat79]

So we're just starting the tours of schools locally to decide which we'd like our daughter to attend.

Being an assiduous sort, I have read the prospectus for each school so I have an overview of clubs etc. ... from your experience what questions - if any - should I be asking? Is there anything you wish you'd asked or anything that was a surprise when your children actually started?

Take a list. A lot of the stuff will be answered on the tour, ask the rest. Not just academic stuff, is there an after school club, breakfast club, are reception children allowed on these? How does the day pan out, what are the loos like, how many TAs per class, do they sort kids by ability in work groups, how much homework is there, what's the sports and music provision? Look at the y3-6 classrooms, too. Your toddler will be 8 soon enough and want to play the guitar or have a football club. What does the place feel like, does the head greet children by name? Do the kids look happy and engaged?

Thank you!