insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 22 - December 2016 | Page 122
EDUCATION
How to choose the right
primary school for your child
Parents of children who are due to start primary school next September are reminded that they
have until January to apply for places. The deadline for all applications to be received – either
online or in paper form – is Sunday January 15th 2017, so it’s time to get thinking about which
school is best suited to your child.
“This is a really important time for families,
and they need to take time to make the right
decision for their child,” says Ruth Sparkes,
managing director of EMPRA, an education
marketing and PR firm that works with lots of
schools across Sussex and the UK.
“Before deciding which schools to apply for,
you really ought to try to visit the schools you
are particularly interested in,” she adds. “There
are normally open events, and if you’re not able
to make those dates, all local schools will be
happy to show you around; just call the school
and make an appointment that suits you.”
Although most children are given a place at
their parents’ first choice school, this is not
always possible if there are more applications
for a school than there are places available.
Councils have over subscription criteria and
strongly advise families to provide preferences
for three different schools, as they say this
provides families with the best chance of
getting their child into a school of choice.
The websites of Sussex councils also state that
if you want your child to attend their catchment
school, you must include this as one of your
preferences.
Crucially, it is essential that you apply by
the deadline of Sunday January 15th 2016.
Applying after this deadline may significantly
affect what’s offered to you.
Visit as many schools as you can; make sure you get a good look
around and go prepared with questions. Do you want somewhere
that’s more driven by academic results, or somewhere with a bit more
artistic flair? Ask yourself, what did the school feel like? Every school has
a different feel, and if that feeling is an uncomfortable one, be mindful of
your instincts.
Speak to the headteacher or principal and ask as many questions
as you need to; it’s a big decision and you need to make sure that
you are well informed. He or she is the face of the school, and should
be a source of inspiration. Of course, make a big deal about all of the
school’s positives, but if you spot a negative, call it! Their transparency
will speak volumes.
When you’ve made a shortlist, visit the school again; most schools
will welcome you and offer you a tour irrespective of whether it’s
an organised event – just call the school and make an appointment that
works for you. Expect to be taken around the whole site, not just your
child's prospective classroom - the library might be stark of recent books,
or uninspiring; the playground space might be insufficient for your energetic
child - only by seeing it all will you get an idea of the school as a whole.
Think about your child, how they learn, where they excel, and what
they want - and make sure to discuss the choices with them. They
might be little, but they will have a favourite and you need to understand
which one that is, and why.
1
2
4
3
Speak with parents who already have
children at the schools you’re interested
in. It’s always worthwhile and they can give you a
parent's perspective about things like after-school
clubs and how the school deals with discipline.
5
Read the school’s most recent Ofsted
report, not just the headline grades what’s the pastoral care like? What do the
staff think and what does it say about the
governors?
6
122
Lastly, check the Department for
Education’s Parent View site – this gives
a snapshot of what parents think about their
child’s school.
7