When the time comes to choose a school for your child, you’ll realise how important it is to plan and prepare. There are lots of factors to think about when making your decision, because whatever you choose will affect your entire family, not just your little one. St Chris, an independent school in Letchworth Garden City, has put together the following advice to help.
First of all, it’s worth putting together a list of the things that are most important to you and your child. For example, do you want the school to be in walking distance of your home or is there a convenient bus route? What do you think of the curriculum and are there any after school clubs your little one might enjoy? After you’ve figured out exactly what you and your child require, you’ll be able to narrow down which schools are and aren’t appropriate.
You’ll need to gather as much information as possible about each of the schools you’re interested in. You can look at reports from Ofsted or other governing bodies to find out more about the school’s reputation. Consider factors such as the class sizes and the pastoral care available to your child. Most schools have open mornings that you can attend to get a better feel for it. Whilst visiting the school, be sure to take note of how you feel whilst you’re there. Is it a welcoming, safe environment? Are the teachers friendly and do they interact well with the children? What are the dining facilities like?
Before you come to a conclusion about your child’s school, it’s very important that you consider their opinions and thoughts. They will be spending most of their time there for the foreseeable future so it’s vital for their wellbeing that they are happy there. With that said, it’s worth involving them in the decision as much as possible.
