26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! EDUCATION How to choose the best secondary school for your child Choosing the best school for your child can be very stressful. However, planning ahead will make the process much easier. “Every lesson should be outstanding. Teachers should adopt a child centred learning style. It is the job of teachers to inspire, motivate and constantly develop new strategies to fi nd each child’s unique talent.” Preparation for your visit Consider all the options You may have several reasons for not including a school on your short-list but whatever the reason it is best to keep an open mind until you have done your homework. Schools change and what may have been a ‘failing’ school may now be outstanding, due to new leadership. Research Find out as much as you can about the school before your visit. Look at Ofsted reports, visit parent f the school performance. Look at the school website. Is it updated regularly? The school website is the window to a school, a well-managed school will usually have an excellent website. Ask to speak to the Head Teacher Can you? If not why? Try to schedule a meeting with the Head during your visit. This will give you an invaluable insight about the ‘culture of openness’ within the school. Observe and ask questions Where possible it is useful to see how children interact before and after school, this will give you a good indication about whether your child will ‘ t in’. Speak to parents of children attending the school. Don’t be afraid to ask questions • What is the educational mission for the school? • What pastoral care does the school offer? • What is the school’s approach to student discipline and safety? • What extracurricular activities are available? • Does the school help students achieve and excel individual targets? • Does the school have an arts department? • What support is there for students who have academic, social or emotional needs? • Do you encourage student/parent feedback by surveys or meetings? • Can you visit the school on a normal working day? • How do children travel to school? • Is there a school bus? orums, read magazines or any articles you can about
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