With a pick of over twenty thousand schools, choosing the right education is quickly becoming a topic of sleepless nights for many parents. So, how can you guarantee the best place for your child?
Appearance can be deceptive
It’s vital to remember that the content you’re scrutinizing on a school’s website or brochure is already the best possible angle of the school. A prospectus is merely a marketing tool, and will not always reflect the nature of the establishment. Make it a priority to attend at least one open morning for each school you’re looking at and if you have the time, arrange a tour during a regular school day.
A child’s perception is key
If you have the opportunity to speak to the pupils, then you’re already in a good school. Involving pupils with open days and school tours is an excellent indicator of a healthy environment. Identify a pupil with similar traits to your own child, and ask them their opinion of the school. It is likely that their experiences will be similar to those your own child will experience, and will enable you to assess the priorities of the school. Take a moment to observe the behaviour of the children. Are they polite and articulate? Are they encouraged to ask questions? Are they respected within the classroom? These will vary in importance for each parent, so make sure to assess which values matter to you most, before assessing those of the school.
Policy makes perfect
It’s also a good idea to locate the school’s policies before visiting. At a good establishment, these will be easily accessible on their website, but some may require making contact with the school. Have a look at policies for safeguarding, anti-bullying and discipline, to get an idea of the school’s processes and priorities. If you think these align with your own ideals, try asking the teachers or support staff about them during your visit. If they don’t know the policies inside out, be weary.
An expert’s view
In terms of school performance, a good place to start is by looking at the most recent Ofsted report. Although it will not provide an exhaustive summary of the school, it will be able to give you a snapshot of both its strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to the targets that have been set for the school, as these will reveal any flaws in the current system. Bear in mind, these can often be outdated, especially if the school has changed hands since the last inspection took place, so take these comments with a pinch of salt and question any concerns during your visit.
If you’re unsure about the official school report, have a look for recent reviews on Ofsted’s ParentView. Similar to sites like TripAdvisor, this easy to navigate site allows parents to review their child’s education and leave comments for perspective parents. Be careful not to take these all at face value, each school will cater for different needs, and common criticisms can often be a result of child misplacement as opposed to school error.
Educate and Enrich
Avoid selecting a school based solely on academic performance, as there are many more factors that contribute to a child’s education. Research the range of clubs and activities on offer outside of the classroom and consider curricular opportunities such as sports, art and languages. In recent statistics, one in twelve children in the UK attend a school with lower academic performance than they could have received a place for. Thus, demonstrating that although some schools may fly high in academic league tables, this does not necessarily mean that such school is able to cater to the individual needs and interests of your child.
Most importantly, whichever school you look to select should be fully supported by your child. If you have any doubts to whether or not your child will be happy, this should take first priority over academic performance or Ofsted reports. Choose a school that will harbour a safe and comfortable environment, and rest assured your child will settle seamlessly!
Checklist for School Selection
- I have visited the school
- I understand the school’s policy
- I have spoken to a pupil from the school
- I have read the most recent Ofsted report
- I have read the most recent ParentView report
- I have researched the extra-curricular opportunities
- My child is happy with this school
