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