TOP TIPS ON VISITING PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR YOUR PRE-SCHOOLER

It's that time of year for many families with 3-4 year olds in the UK...the primary school decision. If you are in an area where there are a choice of schools to look at then you may have already visited one of their open days, or are planning on visiting. For us, this is our first time being in this position with Big Bee and it feels like such a huge decision and responsibility. Selecting the best school for your child based on a relatively quick drop in is no easy feat! Before our first school viewing I suddenly realised I hadn't given much thought on what to look out for, or the questions to ask. Below I am sharing the list of things that I have been considering just in case it is of any use to anyone else.

Big Bee rocking her leaf crown...and why not!

Before your visit:

1. Speak to local parents/neighbours and hear their opinion of the schools. What are their experiences? Their main pros and cons? Understandably different families may have different priorities to you, but it can be beneficial to hear their thoughts.

2. Do you know any teachers who work there? Are the teachers happy?

3. Read the Ofsted report and look at the school's website.

What to notice on the tour:

1. What was the welcome to the school like?

2. How many children are in a class?

3. Are there any teaching assistants supporting?

4. Is there recent artwork decorating the walls?

5. Are they celebrating all children's work? (i.e. not just the work that is perceived to be 'perfect')

6. Do the children appear to be happy learning?

7. Does the teacher seem happy and relaxed? Welcoming? (Although I fully appreciate that we all have our bad days!)

8. How are the teachers interacting with the pupils?

9. Does the school look tidy?

10. What is the building like?

11. What is the outdoor space like?

Questions to ask on the tour/the Headteacher:

(N.B. Does the headteacher come across as a good leader?)

1. How long has the headteacher been there? What is their vision for the school?

2. How are new children settled into the school?

3. How does the school communicate with the parents?

4. How are parents involved in school life?

5. What food is on the menu for lunch?

6. Are there after-school clubs on offer? Breakfast club?

7. How do they deal with bullying?

8. What is the staff turnover like?

9. If I have any concerns who do I liaise with?

10. How is the outdoor space divided up?

11. What support is offered to low and high achievers? How many SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) are at the school?

Ultimately, you need to make the best decision for your child and not be influenced by other people. The main question I have been asking myself whilst walking around the schools we have visited is "Can I see Big Bee here?", and for us this has been the most powerful question in our decision making.

Wishing you all the best on your decision making process and for your application.