Questions to ask at SN school visits? (second visits)

[Clarissimo]

panel on 17th will notify us on 19th id DS3 gets a placement (its apparently unheard of for them to say no when places available and school abck the applications as with us).

We've visited both possible schools before, but new rules mean we have to visit again before we can take a preference to panel.

Any appropriate questions to ask? No mobility issues butpoor communication, asd, PC obsessions etc, needs extra help with sensory things, eating, playing etc.

At the alst one we focussed on toiletting etc but seem to be getting there; this time concerns are about safety, things like writing, social skills.

-how often is SALT visiting, how does she work
-what literacy programmes are followed (prob. none-thy'll be making it up like everyone else)
-communication policy-ask to see it.If not one, why not. Communication fundamental
-PECS, Malaton training
-OTs and Physios-when do they visit
-is there a website for you to keep abreast of what is happening? Newsletter
_PTA association? Parent drop in sessions/opps for volunteering?
-links with other school
-ask to see menus and typical timetable for a week

-what specialist training do staff have 9above and beyond generic teacher training)

Thank you Moondog

One has PTA, i've checked that out (because am Sec of current PTA so would move over at least some of the time, if not all as DS4 will go to current school all being well)

Both have websites but te SN kids are not represented on them at all. Do you know if there is a reason for that?

Dha nd I liked different schools, so could be fn deciding

ty moondog im going be asking those questions next week when i go look at schools

hth
No, it's odddd that kids with SN not represented on website, especially if an SN school. What is on the website then?

Are staff trained in physical intervention if needs be?

Policy on administering Meds.

Does the school have a common 'language'? Ours is Makaton and all written work for displays/newsletters is supported by Writing with Symbols.

Do they use visual timetables? How do they handle a change to the normal routine?

Is there a school council so the children can have an input into their own school and learning.

lol with ll tis info the heads are not going be happy when i come in prepared for meetings at school,but ty im wrting ths ll down to take with me on Monday

The Heads shouldn't mind at all, I know ours wouldn't, it's good if parents come equipped with loads of questions to ask. Good luck with your visit on Monday.

No,noone will mind.
It's what all parents should do and it drives up standards for you and everyone else when the powers that be know that the peopel who use their services expect high standards.

moondog - I think peachy will be looking at units attached to mainstream rather than special schools.

peachy - is it a choice between language unit and ASD unit? or something different?

oh one very basic question occurs to me - as to how used they are to kids who are similar to your DS.

Oh, is Clarissimo Peachy??
I can't keep up!

Sorry MD, yes I am Peachy but am crap at namechanging- keep telling everyone LOL. Might give up and go back shortly.

Thanks all, great questions here.

Oh the website- the units are within MS schools (separate but iykwim), and it just seems to cover the NT kids; one website does mention the SN kids the other doesn't even do that.

I might see if I can find the SALT and ask her what she knows about each? The OT is very new so won't know much, the school is leaning heavily one way and I know parents with kids at each who are very happy indeed (which is obv great).