Meeting with headmaster

[topsi]

I am looking round our local private primary school on Friday. The tour ends with a 'chat' with the headmaster. Are there any questions I should defintely be asking?? I guess this is a chance for him to interview me and decide if he wants my DS at his school. DH can't make it so am going with my sister instead. What will he want to know??
I need to ask about bursaries etc at some point is this the right time to bring the subject up??

Anybody??

Ask about how they identify, monitor and support children with different aptitudes ie learning support and mroe able and pastoral care. Whether there are associated extra costs for this and also music, meals, trips, clubs. The Bursar is really the one to discuss the specifics of finances with but by all means ask about availability of bursaries and at what age of entry.

He will be looking for how supportivea family you are likely to be - in your child's learning, pta, funding etc - and whether your child is going to be a good fit.

Also 'How long are you intending to stay at the school?'
In my experience the head is the captain of the ship and if the head changes the ship changes the direction it is travelling in.
'What are your future development plans for the school?' Again tells you a lot about where the school is heading.
Private Schools can change very rapidly for the good and bad. At DD's school in 18 months they have had a big change in uniform (changed supplier twice), switch from separate nursery and reception class to combined foundation stage and a dramatic change to the school's language policy. The uniform is just frustrating, early years has allowed support of weaker children and stretching of brighter children. The language policy is amazing, fabulous and ground breaking.

'How long are you intending to stay at the school?'
Can be interpreted as a very intrusive question. I was asked one year at a new-parent meeting whether I was planning to get pregnant or leave during the year as the class had had 2 unsettled years. Basically I replied I wasn't willing to discuss my plans with her.

Think the head master has been there since 2005 but the school is moving sites in the next year so I expect there will be changes afoot. I feel a bit nervous to be honest.

how did it go ?

It was fine thanks. He talked and talked and did't really ask me much. I was there 2 hours and felt shattered after. Not sure what we are going to do, our local schools are not too bad and sending DS private would mean putting our lives on hold for 8 years. Have to decide soon as 2011 intake is getting booked up fast!