blondie Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 hi, my grand daughter is due to start school next september and my daughter and her partner are about to go for visits to local schools. as first timers for school they are very anxious and want to ensure the school they choose is the right one - so they are trying to think of questions they need to ask - i have given them a few but would love some help from everyone on the site with ideas and questions please. many thanks xx Quote
Guest Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Length of settling in period. Is it based on individual child. Some schools take 4 weeks for transistion can really effect working parents. Cover arrangements in the absence the teacher. Support at lunchtimes. Parental involvement. Quote
Rufus Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I would want to know how they approach, teaching readiness for writing. Been to so many schools that make their eyfs children do weekly big writes, letter formations sheets etc with complete ignorance of physical readiness and the need to make writing purposeful. I've also seen these methods disengage reluctant writers completely. 3 Quote
Cait Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 It's very dependent on what they are looking for in a school for their child really. If they are shown round properly by an experienced member of staff, this should answer any questions they may have. I'm a firm believer in a feeling for a place. I remember when we were looking at secondary schools for my daughter we went to the two grammar schools and didn't really feel welcomed and comfortable. They had lots of high tech stuff but it just didn't appeal, whereas the local comprehensive was down to earth and very welcoming - there was a friendly feeling and staff were laughing with each other. There was no competition really. 5 Quote
Guest Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I would go for a feeling of a place too. This may well depend of course on who is showing them round!!!!!!!! I would also want to know if the reception class outlook is play based. I know it should be, but many are not!!!! Quote
finleysmaid Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 can you tell me what your areas for improvement are in the school please? 2 Quote
Fredbear Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Definitely the feel of the place every time, as they know their child better than anybody, can they picture her being happy there. Good luck wishes with this. Quote
blondie Posted September 28, 2013 Author Posted September 28, 2013 thank you so much everyone - great questions - i also said to them that they will know which school is right for her - i too personally believe that the feel and first impression of a place is important and a gut instinct x Quote
thumperrabbit Posted September 29, 2013 Posted September 29, 2013 We viewed lots of primary schools for my daughter and a friend who is a TA told me to take my daughter with us, I was a bit sceptical when she said it but went along with it - it was amazing the difference in how some schools treated her as a visitor!! I would say gut feeling and by taking the child with you to see how teachers react to them. Luckily my daughter chose the same school as us :1b Quote
SueFinanceManager Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 Look at the other children and do they look happy and engaged and not bored and slightly terrified How do the staff deal with interruptions from the children when you are being shown round If you go into a classroom and get the chance talk to the children and see what they say about their school Quote
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