Visiting primary schools - what am I looking for??!

[cakesandchocolate]

DS1 is 3.5 and will be going to school next September so I am just beginning to think about visiting the local schools to make an informed choice.
Just looking for some advice - what should I be looking for? What questions should I ask?
It's only now that I think I know what I should have been looking for in a nursery (2.5yrs ago!) so was looking for advice from the more experienced of you!
Cheers

Try and go during the day when the children are there so you can get a real feel for the place. I like to see lots of art work etc on display and children working happily with a moderate amount of noise. Too noisy and i would worry about discipline; too quiet and I'd worry about how much the children were really getting out of their lessons. Also ask around - other parents are a good source of info about a school.

When you phone to make arrangements to visit take note of the attitude of the staff, as this is what you will have every time you contact the school - are they welcoming, arrogant, rude, polite, competent. - gives away the character of the headteacher and management style which then filters down to the teachers

Yes, ask around and see what people with older children think.

I agree about the atmosphere. How the staff speak to you, how they speak to the children, if the children seem happy addressing the staff.

Agree with the others - happy children in a controlled environment. You don't want to see them running around everywhere, but you do want to see them having some fun! Also look at what goes on in the playground.

|Thnks for the advice, given me something to go on!
Do you think primary schools have wildly varying ethos re discipline/acceptable behaviour and different emphasis on art/science/play/sport etc?
And if so is it something the school will talk about or is more just getting a feel for it?

gut instinct!

DH said when he came back from looking round DSs school that he loved the displays, the way that all the children looked really happy and they help doors open and that the assistant head who was showing him round knew every kids name despite the fact that there are almost 900 in the school It helps that they have an 'outstanding' from Ofsted too!

The headteacher. Take it from one that knows from bitter experience.

DS1 (end of year 1) has been to 3 primary schools
first one - great
then we moved house, second one - awful - 99% of reason because headteacher awful, no direction from him, problems swept under carpet, low staff morale - I could go on forever
we moved him to a different school - headteacher, awesome, kids love him, from what I know the teachers are inspired by him. School is really good.

Up until this experience I never really thought about what a vital role the headteacher plays in a school.

Agree about the head. DD's school has one that came in two years ago. Useless. Luckily the school was very well run so ticked along but the teachers are all leaving. Made the decision that DS won't be going there in December.

He is going to one that 5 years ago when DD was starting school, had had a terrible reputation due to a previous head. One of those "super heads" came in, turned the school around. They then got a new head two years ago who is truly fantastically excellent and the school now is outstanding in my opinion.

Just a few to get you started..

Are the children happy?
Are they engaged?
Are they working/playing with each other?
Are staff interacting with them?
Do you like how staff are interacting?
What are there staff turnaround rates?
What is their policy regarding discipline?
How do they motivate children who are finding things difficult / how are they supporting those with learning difficulties?
How are they keeping children (particularly the brighter ones)challenged?
How do staff interact with each other?
What sort of outdoor play space is there?
How are lunchtimes done?
What is their approach to the national (SATs) testing?
Would you want to spend 6 hours a day there?