Choosing the Right School for Your Child
Out of nowhere it has crept up on you. The bane of every parent. It’s time to choose the best school for your child. So how do you make a start to select the right one? Try these tips.
2 minute read
League Tables
More loathed than loved these can be useful when viewed in context. Though they only show a snapshot in time, when read alongside an Ofsted report they can give an indication of strengths and weaknesses within a school.
Look Online
Be sure the school will want to shout about what they do well. Local news stories and the school website can be a good source.
Talk to Parents
These are the people who have a real experience of the school. They see it warts and all. If they are praising it, there is likely good reason. If they fault it, their complaints may have some validity. Keep an open mind and try to get a balanced set of views.
Visit School
Observation is key, so make sure you take your time as they show you around. Observe interaction and attitude of the children. Happy, confident pupils show a school that values the child as a whole.
Speak to Head
Find out what is valued. Is the individuality of each child, or do they concentrate on the class as a whole? Their understanding of special needs children can be a good indication of overall policy, so ask about that and how it is applied to the school.
Behaviour Policies
Usually found on the website, asking about this tells you how school policies translate into practice. Are the children responsible for their own behaviour? Views on punishment – when it is appropriate and how it is applied - can give you an idea of fairness.
Gut Reaction
You've weighed up all the views and impressions, but your personal reaction is perhaps your most trusted source. Use this to help you decide which one is the best school for your child.
