Choosing the Right Primary School

When looking for a primary school for your child it can be difficult to know where to start. I suggest you start online by finding out what the SAT's results were. From here you can find out which schools in the area had the majority of children reaching the government expected targets. At least then you know that your child will be going somewhere were achievement is both expected and prioritised. Once you have a short list then you can make appoinments to view the school. For some schools this will be an open day with parents visiting together or sometimes the Head will show you around individually. I went to see one school with my toddler in a pushchair as I had nobody to care for her. I struggled through doors, around furniture and the Head never helped or acknowledged my difficulties once. This completely put me off the school and I went for another where the Head helped me and I experienced children themselves helping me through doors. However there are other factors that I look for. When you are in the classrooms looks at the displays. Are they well presented, colourful, child friendly? If they are then the teacher is demonstrating that she cares about the work her class do and the children will be having their self esteem boosted by seeing their work displayed. A classroom where you have to duck because of displays hanging that are child height shows the teacher is making a point that this classroom is for her children. You can be sure that this teacher will genuinely care about what she is doing in her class. Watch how the children move around the school. Are they walking with purpose and polite? You can ask to see if the school has an anti bullying policy. Most schools should and if you are looking at one that does not then it would suggest that the school is not taking this seriously. Query how many computers there are per child so you can see how money is being spent on resources. Does the library look well stocked and does each classroom have a welcoming reading corner for the children. Look for signs that reading is being encouraged and supported in the school. Books on display, clear labels everywhere and a reading scheme that is followed throughout the school. You can request to see a lunch menu to check what type of food is being offered on a daily basis. Is it balanced? It is worth finding out what the policy is at playtime too as some schools will only allow fruit and others will sell crisps and fizzy drinks. Regarding staff try to find out how many younger members of staff there are. Newly qualified teachers are cheaper so if there is a high percentage of these then the school is losing out on a balanced staff. Newly qualified teachers bring enthusiasm but older teachers bring with them experience. Both are very important in a good school. If you are a working mum you will need to find out if they have breakfast clubs and after school clubs. Does the school offer clubs after school to enrich the pupils' life. Are there music lessons offered too. Also how many special needs children are there in the school and what type of help is offered for them. Are there provisions made if you have an exceptionally gifted child as some schools will stream children and have different teachers for groups and others will offer some time each week for gifted children to go out of their lesson and have special advanced lessons. Lastly go to the school when it ends and talk to parents that are already there. Find out if they are happy, is there an active PTA, and if they have any gripes about the school. By visiting a few schools you will soon have a feel for which one you like the best and this will help you make the right decision for your child. www.helpful-ideas.com