Child Starting School Next Year

MrSaver96

Hi
Not sure if it’s ok to post this, but looking for some guidance / advice. My 3 year old daughter starts school next September (it just hit me and the Mrs’) and we want to start early in making sure we get her the best start by picking the right school. I’ve used the government search to see local schools and their respective ofsted reports, but wonder what else I need to be doing? Is there an opportunity for us to view the schools, and if so do you normally have to arrange this separately or are there designated days/nights for this sort of thing? I appreciate we have plenty of time but given it feels like we only became parents yesterday I fully expect to blink and it be time to apply....

Thanks in advance!

Mrsn

Ofsted reports are ok but the way they are assessed has changed (September 2019) so if they were inspected before that some of the data and information may no longer be relevant.

I work in a school and every Friday we have sets of prospective parents come round to visit. It’s always worth making an appointment at the schools you are intending to apply for so that you can get a feel for the settings. Each school will set how often they host these visits for parents.

Please bare in mind that the school closest to you may not be your actual catchment school... this is something you should check with your local authority. When the time comes to applying it’s essential you should name as many schools as possible on your application  (I believe it’s 3 that you can chose on your application) this is important because if you only select one school and you are unfortunate not to be successful gaining a place at that school you might find that the other schools also in your area will be full and you will struggle to secure a place within a reasonable distance. Your local authority only has to legally offer a school place to your child, it doesn’t have to be in the school of your choosing. I’m not saying this to scare you but this does happen a lot especially in more rural areas and happened to myself a few years back.

Good luck

Savvy_Sue

Worth checking where any friends she has are likely to go to school, asking around at toddler groups etc. School's about more than Ofsted reports. 

maman

Depending on the demographic in your area it's often not as simple as choosing a school. Schools are often oversubscribed. I agree that Ofsted reports are just a small part of the picture when it comes to choosing a school. You're right to visit and get a feel for your local schools. Ring the school office and ask for an appointment to look round. Some will have set times but not all. Definitely ask around your neighbours which schools they've chosen and why. 

Mrs_Soup

I would try not to think of it as a choice but more as expressing a preference because in many areas you don’t really get a choice. The schools you think are good will probably be favourites with numerous other parents as well so who gets in depends on where you fit in the admissions criteria. 

maman

Mrs_Soup said:

I would try not to think of it as a choice but more as expressing a preference because in many areas you don’t really get a choice. The schools you think are good will probably be favourites with numerous other parents as well so who gets in depends on where you fit in the admissions criteria. 

That's absolutely right. Officially it is termed 'parental preference' and that's exactly what it is in many areas. Even areas where there is a genuine 'choice' it depends on a parents ability to travel, buy a house in the catchment etc etc. I think it's a divisive policy but can't see it being changed. 

building_with_lego

MrSaver96 said:

Hi
Not sure if it’s ok to post this, but looking for some guidance / advice. My 3 year old daughter starts school next September (it just hit me and the Mrs’) and we want to start early in making sure we get her the best start by picking the right school. I’ve used the government search to see local schools and their respective ofsted reports, but wonder what else I need to be doing? Is there an opportunity for us to view the schools, and if so do you normally have to arrange this separately or are there designated days/nights for this sort of thing? I appreciate we have plenty of time but given it feels like we only became parents yesterday I fully expect to blink and it be time to apply....

Thanks in advance!

Do you mean that she'll turn four between now and August 31st and should be starting school in September? (Born before August 31st 2016?) You may have missed your first deadline for school applications, which is usually some time in January, though may vary between local authorities. Information here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-primary-school-place


If she's still firmly three and will be starting in September 2021, I always advise going to summer fairs, loitering around the school gates at pick-up time and popping in to ask to be shown around, just to get a feel for the schools closest to you. Popping in lets you see the school in its usual running mode, rather than on show, and even if it's not convenient to show you around then and there, the way they explain that will tell you a lot about the school!

badmemory

Things to look out for.  Ofsted reports have a place but they only show one moment in time.  Watch for a good school whose senior staff are about to retire (not good).  A bad school whose senior staff are about to retire - well you get the picture.

I know someone senior staff at a very good school, retired & within 2 years were a not too good one.  The head was way too busy having an affair with the school secretary so there was no longer any leadership.

A local high school with a very good rep, head retired, new one just focused on getting everyone in designer uniform.  The local bad one is now the one they all want to go to as it now has a fantastic reputation.  These things can change almost overnight.

Fireflyaway

I used to work in school admissions. It was funny how certain schools were in favour and others not and how quickly that could change. Ofsted only tells you so much and those schools rated outstanding are inspected less frequently so there is a possibility that if the inspection was some time ago it no longer an accurate reflection anyway. Just a change of head teacher or a few staff leaving / joining can make a big difference as can the kids in any one class. Those are things you can't control. Definitely visit the school and talk to parents who have kids there. Look at the environment too. Does it look and feel conducive to learning? As others have said, you don't have to apply to your catchment school. You may also find it hard to get into certain schools. I frequently spoke to parents who were not allocated any of their choices. Look on the local authority website and see if details of previous years allocations are available. Does your little one go to nursery? I found kids who were used to mixing with others were usually happier when starting school. Don't forget the practicality too. What's it like to get to each school during school run? Are there breakfast or after school clubs or holiday provision etc?