1. Research
A great way to start your research is to ask your child’s nursery or child minder which schools they recommend. They’ve often built relationships with
schools and families over the years and can give you some useful insights. If you’re not sure which schools are in your area, you can use your local authority admissions website, which should have a list of schools in your area.
Follow this up by reading the school websites. Take some time to go through the pages on the website to get a good flavour of the school – look out for the curriculum, the ethos and values page and anything else that is especially important to you such as sports, outdoor facilities, before and after school care arrangements or special educational needs provision.
A lot of schools are now using social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) which show what goes on in the school day to day. If you find accounts for schools you are interested in, follow them for a couple of months to get a feel for the type of work and activities that go on in the school.
2. Visit the school
Arrange a visit of the school. Schools usually have an open day, open week or do personal tours. It can also be wise to go for a walk past the school. Sometimes it can be useful to do this at pick-up or drop-off time then you can see the school in full flow, see it busy and alive with children and families.
3. Friends and Family Reviews
Do you have a friend with children in the schools you are interested in? Do you trust their opinion? Do they value the same things you do? Getting first-hand advice from families at the schools you’re interested in will help you decide if they’re the school for you and your child.
4. Values
Do the values of the school match your own? School’s must publish their ethos and values statement on the website. This is often overlooked but it is really important to your choice because everything the school does should be built on those values. Look at the behaviour policy on the website – does it reflect your own parenting values and what you want for your child?
5. Curriculum
Every school will have its own curriculum built around the National Curriculum. This is the minimum that schools must teach but most schools will enhance and enrich the National Curriculum with learning they believe is vital for their pupils. At my own school, Coppice Valley, the development of the whole child, expanding horizons and wellbeing are a core part of our curriculum. We teach our children to be resilient, perseverant, kind and thoughtful. We learn about mental and physical health. We teach about diversity, equality and how to be a good citizen of the world. We build in key experiences into our curriculum, called “The Coppice 50”, to inspire our pupils and introduce them to a wide range of activities from theatre trips, camp-outs, star-gazing and public speaking to first aid skills and getting involved in local politics. Try to find out if the curriculum of the school meets your expectations as a parent or will suit the needs of your child.
6. Your Child
Will this school be the right place for your child? Perhaps your child is quiet and reserved or outgoing and boisterous? Will the school setting and atmosphere match your child’s personality? For many, outdoor space and a commitment to learning outside is vital. For others, a strong technology offer or a reading culture is essential for their child. If your child has special needs, does the school have the resources your child needs?
Having done all your research and visits, take some time to reflect. Where can you see your child, and yourself, feeling happy, safe and valued? Choosing your child’s school may seem overwhelming but we’re very lucky to have
many great schools in Harrogate. Ultimately, you are the expert on your child and if you’ve done your homework, you won’t go wrong. Good Luck!
Written by Emma Meadus – Head Teacher at Coppice Valley Primary School.
