There are two types of parents: those who applied for their primary school place before Christmas, and those who didn't even realise the deadline is this Sunday. Yes, this Sunday.
Never fear: we are here for you. Primary school teacher Anna Masterson, who is Chief Learning Officer at online platform Atom Learning, has put together a checklist of four things to do before making your final decision. So you can pretend you had it all under control all along.
One. Schedule a last minute visit during normal school hours
Try to squeeze in a last minute visit to the school during normal opening hours. This will give you the chance to see how the school operates on a more ‘normal day’, rather than when it has cool displays and events going on. This will help to confirm to you whether this is the right place for your child. The deadline may only be days away, but there’s no harm in asking.
Two. Future-proof your decision
It's important to have an eye on the future so, if you're torn between two schools, choose the one that will best springboard your child into the next phase of schooling. Make sure you've done your research into what support would be available for your child when it comes to making the transition to secondary school. For example, if you're hoping to send your child to a grammar school, double check that your chosen primary school is knowledgeable about the 11+ and has a successful track record.
And make sure you haven't been bamboozled by the fluffy statistics you heard at the Open Day. Do a quick check on your prospective school's academic history and digital inspection records using reliable educational boards such as Ofsted.
Three. Make sure you've considered extracurriculars
Often overlooked, extracurricular activities are hugely important for building your child’s confidence throughout primary school and beyond. If your favourite schools are neck and neck academically, choose the one with the strongest extracurricular offering. Ideally, there will be a variety of engaging activities, like language lessons and sports activities so your child can find the right fit for them. A school that values extracurriculars values your child’s future.
Four. Speak to neighbours and their kids
Neighbours with a child a few years ahead of yours at a school on your shortlist can be a great resource for last minute insights. Ask them what they wish they'd known before choosing their school, what kind of support they've had and whether their child is content. Remember, this will be their own anecdotal experience, but it's good to get a sense of how the school deals with any issues and how it's perceived by parents.
And, if possible, speak to their children. Kids at this age will likely be very genuine and their demeanour will tell you a lot about the school. Pay attention to how they come across when they speak about their school. Do they seem happy? Proud of their school? Confident in engaging with adults? All of this will help inform your final decision making and gauge whether this is a place your child would thrive.
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