Choosing a school for your child can seem an overwhelming task, especially if you have no idea where to start. So here’s what you need to know to find the right school for your child’s needs.
What is a pre-school?
Pre-schools are usually attached to primary schools and are for children over the age of 3 years and under 5 years. Unlike a private nursery, a preschool is set in an educational setting with lessons aimed at helping your child get ready for full time education when they are 5 years. Pre-schools don’t suit every one as they work to term dates and only offer part time places (12.5 hours a week). To gain a place you have to apply (usually the year before you child attends) and if accepted your child will be given a morning or afternoon slot.
Are preschool and nursery places free?
Since April 2004 all three- and four-year-olds have been entitled to free, part-time early education places (currently 12.5 hours a week but this will rise to 15 hours in 2010). This means pre-school places are free unless you opt for an independent pre-school. The free allocation can also be used against full time places in nursery and at registered child minders.
Do I have to send my child to preschool?
No, preschool is optional and many parents choose to keep their children in full time nursery. To opt for a preschool place contact your local authority for details of the preschools in your area.
How do I find a primary school?
Each year local authorities produce a free schools booklet known as the Information for Parents pack. This lists all the schools in your local area, tells you how to apply for a place, how places are allocated, as well as details on schools.
Can I choose any school?
You have the right to say which school you want your child to attend whether it’s in your borough or not, but popular schools are always oversubscribed and tend to give places to those who live nearest. This means it’s wiser to choose a school closer to home, rather than apply to one your child has no chance of getting into.
How do I find out what a school is like?
- Go along to an open day. This is an ideal way to view the school’s facilities. Try to visit twice, once with your child so you can get a good feel for the school.
- On an open day pay particular attention to how big classes are, how well looked after the school is, what equipment the school has and how pupils behave.
- Talk to other parents with kids at the school. “I found this very useful as Ofsted reports don't always reflect what the school is really like. Also go to PTA events at the school like their summer fete. I did this and it was a great way to get a feel for the school.” Jane 36, mum to Freya 6 and Sachin, 3
- Look at the Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) reports www.ofsted.gov.uk. This will give you information about the progress and performance of the school.
- Finally ask about after-school activities, league tables and exam results. It’s also worth checking the school’s policy on bullying, and how active the school PTA is.
What else should I consider?
Try to also think about what your own child may need from a school. For instance:
1. Does your child need special help in any way? 2. Does your child have specific interests like sport or languages that you want to encourage at school? 3. What kind of services does the school offer outside of normal school hours (important if you work full time)? 4. How will your child get to school? 5. Will your child do better in a bigger or smaller school?
How do I apply?
All primary places have to be applied for in the autumn term a year before your child is due to start.
- Application forms are available online or from your local authority. Even if your child attends the preschool attached to the primary school you’re interested in you still have to apply, as you are not guaranteed a place.
- Make sure you read the school’s admission criteria before applying to check if your child is likely to get a place, otherwise you may not get the school of your choice.
- If you’re unhappy with the school place you are allocated you can appeal against the decision. Details of how to make an appeal will be in the local authority's admission letter outlining your offer.
I’m still confused - who can help me?
Choice Advice is an impartial service provided by local authorities offering assistance on everything from, what schools are in your area, when and how to register your child for a school, how the admission system works and what the admission criteria means. They can also assist in completing forms.
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