Which School should I send my child to? 

Deciding which school you would like your child to go to is sometimes difficult. We recommend that you and your child visit all of the schools you are considering. Schools have open days where you can get information and have a general look round.

All schools publish a prospectus which contains information about:

• the school’s aims;
• the subject areas taught at the school;
• results of the National Curriculum assessment of pupils
• attendance figures;
• out-of-school activities; and
• the school’s policies on issues such as behaviour and discipline, special educational needs and equal opportunities.

Once a year, each school’s governing body publishes a report to parents. That report sets out the school’s achievements.

The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) inspects schools. You can get a copy of a school’s last inspection report from the head teacher. Ofsted’s website at www.ofsted.gov.uk also includes copies of all schools’ inspection reports.

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) publishes performance tables. You can see copies of these on the DfES website at www.dfes.gov.uk or you can get them from Education Reception at County Hall (phone 01983 823455).

Below we have listed some things you may want to consider when deciding which school you would like your child to go to.

• Does the school have a welcoming atmosphere?
• Does the school emphasise the importance of working with parents?
• Do staff have high expectations of the children and is there an emphasis on each child’s achievements?
• Does the school actively plan to include all its pupils and their parents in the life of the school, and provide good support to meet special needs?
• Is a wide range of out-of-school activities available for pupils of all ages and abilities?
• Is the school well led by the head teacher and governors?
• Is there a plan showing how the school hopes to develop over the next few years?
• Is children’s work displayed with care?
• Are governors fully involved in the life of the school and do parents have easy access to them?

This is not a full list and you will be able to judge a great deal from the atmosphere of the school during your visit.

Remember, all children and all schools are different. You will probably find it helpful to visit a number of schools before deciding which one is best for you and your child.