EDUCATION
important to note that there are no guar- antees.
What data should I take into consideration when choosing a primary school?
All primary schools are inspected by Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills with the aim of improving schools. Schools should list their most recent Ofsted report on their website. Reports are lengthy but will give you a brief descrip- tion of the school, its diversity, as well as an indication of the quality of educational provision.
Performance data can also be useful to
review; the government produce league ta- bles each year. It is important to note that this data, while helpful, should be viewed in conjunction with a school visit to en- sure you get the most complete picture.
Should I visit and if so, when?
Yes, yes, yes! Tere is simply no better way of appreciating the ethos of a school than to visit it and experience it for yourself. Most schools offer open days for new par- ents but if you are unable to attend these do just call the school office to arrange a visit.
Finding the right school for your child is
all about asking the right questions. Here are a couple you might like to consider:
What does a typical student at this school look like? Te qualities and characteristics of a typical student at any school gives a clear indication of a school’s philosophy and ethos. Te usual suspects like “bright”, “hard- working” and “happy” don’t offer much elucidation but listen out for phrases like “the students here are in- credibly determined”, “our students work hard and play hard” or “students here stay friends for life”. Before you visit the school, think about what your perfect answer would be.
How would you differentiate yourself from other schools in the area? Particularly if you are considering other schools, this question should get to the root of the school’s ethos and
Tere i simply no bter way o
apreciating th ethos
o a scol than t vsi i and exprienc i fo yorsel.
UK Year Reception
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6
Age 4 - 5
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priorities. A statement such as: “that school is very liberal, both in its ap- proach to academics and discipline” tells you as much about the school you are discussing as the school you are vis- iting, which clearly has a very tradi- tional outlook.
How do you manage pastoral care? In comparison to what you yourself may have experienced, all schools now have a system of pastoral care which supervises issues like behaviour and re- lationships.
What do the lessons look like? When visiting a school ask to pop into a les- son. Are the students enjoying them- selves? Are they engaged and enquiring in the learning process?
How does the registration process work and what does it involve?
It’s online! Your council website should have all the necessary information. However, don’t be afraid to ask if you have questions.
How does the process differ for registering at a Catholic or Church of England state primary?
Te relevant religion is not an absolute re- quirement for entrance to a school of that denomination. However, where demand outstrips supply, which, in many cases it does, preference will be given to those who are members of the appropriate church. You will often be required to submit a let- ter from a religious official communicating your commitment to the particular faith (i.e. that you attend regular services etc).
When do you find out which primary school your child got in to?
Mid-April, your local council will inform you of the specific date.
How and when should I apply for independent preparatory schools?
Many schools are unspecific, saying that an early registration is “advisable”. As a rule of thumb, it is best to assume that for these types of schools, children should be regis- tered as soon after birth as possible. It is not an exaggeration to say that many do this from the hospital ward. A “first come, first serve” rule exists for many, though some schools also have a sibling policy in addition to a parental alumni preference. Again, our advice would be to check with particular school admissions departments prior to birth and seek advice if confused.
To find a list of independent schools in
your area, the Independent Schools’ Directory (
www.indschools.co.uk) website is the place to go!
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www.focus-info.org FOCUS The Magazine 15
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