Checklist for Choosing a Primary School

1. Academics: Research the school’s academic performance, expectations for all children, and the progress made by students.
2. Curriculum: Ensure the school offers a broad and balanced curriculum covering essential subjects and providing opportunities for children to develop their interests and talents.
3. Teaching and learning: Investigate the teaching methods used at the school, their variety and engagement, and the teachers’ expectations for all children.
4. Pastoral care: Assess the school’s support for student well-being, its pastoral care team, and promotion of positive behavior and relationships.
5. Ethos and values: Understand the school’s ethos and values to ensure they align with your family’s beliefs and priorities.
6. Inclusivity: Evaluate the school’s commitment to welcoming children from all backgrounds and abilities, and its track record of supporting children with special educational needs.
7. Facilities: Examine the quality of classrooms, playgrounds, sports facilities, and other resources available at the school.
8. Extracurricular activities: Check if the school offers a range of extracurricular activities for children to participate in.
9. Location: Consider the school’s location and whether it is convenient for your family.
10. Cost: If considering a private school, research the fees, availability of bursaries, and scholarships.

Questions to Ask Teachers on Open Day

1. Teaching methods: What teaching methods and strategies do you use in the classroom? How do you adapt your teaching style to accommodate different learning needs?
2. Class size: What is the average class size, and how does it affect individual attention for students?
3. Curriculum: Can you provide an overview of the curriculum for the grade level? How do you ensure a well-rounded education that includes core subjects, arts, and physical education?
4. Homework policy: What is the school’s homework policy, and how much time should students expect to spend on homework each day?
5. Assessment and evaluation: How do you assess and evaluate student progress? What types of assessments are used throughout the year?
6. Communication with parents: How do you communicate with parents about their child’s progress, any concerns, or upcoming events?
7. Student support: How do you identify and support students who may be struggling academically, socially, or emotionally?
8. Extracurricular activities: What extracurricular activities are available for students at this grade level? How can students get involved?
9. Behavior management: What is the school’s approach to behavior management, and how do you handle discipline issues in the classroom?
10. Technology integration: How is technology integrated into the classroom and curriculum? What resources are available for students?
11. Special needs support: How does the school support students with special needs? Are there dedicated staff members or resources available?
12. Professional development: How do teachers stay up-to-date with current educational research and best practices? What professional development opportunities are provided by the school?
13. School culture: How would you describe the school culture and community? What values and principles guide the school’s approach to education?
14. Parent involvement: What opportunities are available for parents to be involved in the school community, such as volunteering or joining parent-teacher associations?

Remember to take notes during your conversations with teachers to help you compare and evaluate different schools after the open day.