Reception entry for 2018

[Peppardew]

Hi, not sure if there is already a thread about this and apologies if so, but couldn't see one. Currently looking round primary schools and just wondering what should be looking out for really. I know every child is different, but it woukd be lovely to have some general pointers for guidance. I'll post below some very helpful tips I've already been given in case it helps anyone.

Are the children happy and polite, eg opening doors for you.?
Are the y5/6s like you want your child to be?
Does the adult showing you round interact well with the children?
Are there displays of children's work on the walls - does it show arangeof ability (or are only the best displayed)?

Ask about homework
Ask about phonics teaching (you want to hear phonics not some guff about mixed methods). Related to this what are their phonics screening checks like in y1. You donotwant to hear that 'the best readers often fail the screening test' or other such nonsense.
Ask/check online re outgoing SATs scores. But remember that some schools get high results due to high pressure on the kids and you might not want that.
How do they push on the brightest or support the weakest.
How can you contact the class teacher (some schools everything goes via the office, others have access to teacher after school every day)

Ask about behaviour policy.
Ask about trips out.
Ask about extra curricular clubs.
Ask about breakfast/after school club if relevant to you.

If 1.5 or 2+ form entry, ask how they decide on classes and when they mix them up.

Remember the small school may seem best for your pfb when they are 3 or 4, but this school is also for when they are 9&10, so will it be stifling for them later?

For a big school, how do they stop the little ones being overwhelmed by the big kids?

With thanks to TeenTimesTwo

I would add transport concerns such as parking and rush hour traffic.