School is such a big step for your little ones. They can start in the nursery as young as three but usually enter a school setting in reception class at the age of 4. Primary school can feel like a big step for your child, and choosing the right school for them is essential. This is the first introduction to education and you will want them to feel comfortable and happy, as well as enthusiastic to be there. You might have checked out the school online or viewed the league tables for primary schools but nothing compares to an actual in person visit. So if you are attending open days or evenings here are some of the things to look out for and consider.
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- How close is the school to your home?
- How big is the school and how many students do they have?
- Is the primary school a feeder for a particular high school?
- How do the students look?
- Are the teachers friendly?
- What are the results like?
- What is the child-to-staff ratio?
- What are the school dinners like and is there a packed lunch policy?
- Can the school cater to your child’s needs?
- Is there a before and after school club?
- Do they offer clubs?
- How did you and your child feel when you were there?
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How close is the school to your home?
One of the first things to think about would be to look at how close the school is to your home. You will likely find that there are children close by attending, which will help to form friendships. It will also help you to decide whether it is easily accessible to walk to school. You will want a school that is close by.
How big is the school and how many students do they have?
Primary schools vary in size, and believe it or not, there are larger academy-style primary schools that may not suit every child. Some primary schools will have more than one class in a year group, which could be overwhelming for your little one. Understanding the size and how the classes will work will help you to decide if it is the right place for your child.
Is the primary school a feeder for a particular high school?
Secondary school might feel like a way off, but when choosing a primary school you do need to think about it. Some primary schools are feeder schools into specific high schools which can help your child prepare for that next step in education. It isn’t essential to send your child to a feeder school as sometimes it is dependent on area and distance, but in some cases, it can help in the preparation side of things.
How do the students look?
It might not be easy to speak with the children attending the school, but if you are visiting during a school day, you should be able to observe how they look. Are the students well-presented? Do they look happy and engaged with their teachers? How does the environment feel where the students are?
Are the teachers friendly?
Another thing to consider would be the teachers. Do they appear friendly and approachable? How do they interact with the students? Are they able to engage with you and your little one? Teachers play a huge role in primary school education as they usually have one primary teacher that they deal with all of the time.
What are the results like?
While results are not the be all and end all when it comes to primary schools it is a factor to consider as it can help you to decide how the school performs. You can also check out the latest Ofsted report online to find out more information about this.
What is the child-to-staff ratio?
When it comes to younger children you need to understand what the child-to-staff ratio is. This will be the first time your child will be attending a school setting, and it will certainly be overwhelming. Knowing that they won’t get lost in the crowd in the classroom will help you to feel more assured about this big transition.
What are the school dinners like and is there a packed lunch policy?
It may not be high on your list, but school dinners are a big portion of your child’s day. You may not want them to have school dinner but it is worth asking what they are like and also if they can have packed lunches. You might need to understand the dos and don’ts for a packed lunch. Some schools won’t allow fruit juices or chocolates, for example, in children’s lunches.
Can the school cater to your child’s needs?
Your child might need extra support when it comes to starting their school journey so it is important to understand whether the school can cater to your child’s needs. Do they have extra staff available for support?
Is there a before and after school club?
Another consideration might be whether there are before and after-school clubs. These clubs can be vital if you are working full-time and need an earlier drop-off or later pick-up. It can save a lot in childcare costs or rely on a club or childminder.
Do they offer clubs?
Some primary schools will offer afterschool clubs where your child can learn different things or get involved with certain sports. However, some might not have the resources or the staff so you may want to find out what is on offer.
How did you and your child feel when you were there?
Finally, make sure you think about how you felt while you were there and also ask your little one. They can still give you an insight as to whether they liked being there and are excited to go back.
Hopefully, these suggestions will help you know what to look out for when attending primary school on open days and evenings.
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