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