Choosing a School
When visiting schools remember that parents are partners with school staff working together for the good of their children. School governors also have some responsibilities for special educational needs.
Things to consider before your visit:
- It might be helpful to visit in school hours when children are in class.
- Will it be helpful to take your child with you?
- Do you want a guided tour around the school and a chance to ask questions?
- Do you want another adult to accompany you?
- Can you talk to other parents and children about the school?
- Is the school easy to get to?
Questions
Questions to ask if your child has Special Educational Needs (SEN):- How will support for children with SEN be organised?
- Is the support usually provided in the classroom?
- What does the school do to promote the individual needs of all children?
- Are all areas of the school accessible to your child or would adaptations be necessary, for example hand rails and ramps.
- How does the school help children to respect and value one another?
- How does the school involve parents in school life?
- How will the school communicate with you about your child and his/her progress?
Further Information
Things to look for:- Do you feel welcomed?
- Are the children looking happy? Are they helpful and friendly?
- Do the classrooms look like places where children can learn?
- Does the whole school look orderly and under control?
- Are the corridors and toilets clean and tidy?
- Is there evidence that the school celebrates different cultures?
- Are the displays current and interesting and do they seem to include pupils of all abilities?
- Do the staff seem interested in you and your child?
- Would you like to spend your days there?
Written Information
There are several standard documents that the school should have and you may like to ask for:-- The school brochure
- The Special Educational Needs Policy
- Behaviour policy
- Equal Opportunities policy
- Governor’s annual report to parents
- The latest ofsted report
