Websites are great, and word of mouth is invaluable. At some point, however, parents will find themselves going on Open Days and trying to find the right school for their little one. Here’s some guidance (and a few handy questions to ask) from Matthew Bryan, Headmaster at Longacre School in Shamley Green. Choosing an Early Years setting for your child, whether that’s pre-school or Reception, is a daunting business. Not only do parents bear the responsibility of finding a worthy provider and dealing with technical jargon about phonics and frameworks, but also there is the pressure of the here and now: what if my child cries? What should we wear? What is a ‘good’ question to ask? I can help with some of that… NAPS, SNACKS AND CLOTHING Dress up as much as you want to, but this should never be a pressure. You’re there to judge the school, NOT the other way around! Aim for comfort, bring a buggy if that helps, bear in mind that somewhere with Forest School might take you outdoors and into the mud. Bring snacks if you like, just remember that schools are invariably nut-free environments. Some parents prefer to come with their child, some on their own and others bring aunts, uncles, grandparents etc. No rights or wrongs here, do whatever you need to get the feedback you’re looking for. Many parents will come to an open day at Longacre and then book for a private tour afterwards, a bit like doing a second viewing on a house! NOW OR THE FUTURE? One of the questions which I get asked a lot is whether parents should prioritise the Early Years provision at a school, or consider the ‘long game’, which might include such considerations as SATS THINKING ABOUT A FIRST SCHOOL? results or even university success rates! Without hesitation or equivocation I would always urge parents to do what is right for their child now. It doesn’t happen often, but I dread hearing of parents putting their child in a nursery or a Reception class that they don’t like, because the setting concerned has a reputation for getting results at one level or another. Trust your gut and remember that caring for a child and enabling them to get great academic results (whatever that might mean for an individual child) are not an either/or; they should be part and parcel of the right approach to brilliant education. Questions whose answers will tell you a lot about a setting • How do you ensure that children settle in quickly? • What is the balance of time that children spend 1:1 with an adult, versus playing with their friends? *note, there’s no ‘right answer’ to this – different parents will want different things, and individual children also have differing needs • How much time do children spend outdoors? • What is your opinion of play-based learning? • How do you inform parents what progress a child is making? Perhaps the most important piece of advice is to see a school ‘for real’ rather than trusting to a website or reputation. Don’t assume that the most expensive setting will offer the best provision, particularly if a child’s happiness is your principal concern. Follow your gut instincts and do what you feel is best for your child. Good luck! 27 Raring2go! EDUCATION 26 EDUCATION Raring2go! raring2go.co.uk An independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 7-13 in Shackleford, Godalming Surrey. To book your place at our Open Morning visit: www.aldro.org or contact admissions@aldro.org to arrange an individual tour Thinking about your child’s next chapter? Our next Open Morning is Saturday 4th March To register please visit our website or contact Admissions on tel: 01483 893225 or admissions@longacreschool.co.uk www.longacreschool.co.uk Hullbrook Lane, Shamley Green, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0NQ OPEN MORNING 20th JANUARY 2023 Tours from 9.30am “The quality of the pupils’ achievement and learning is excellent” June 2022 A thriving, co-educational preparatory school for boys and girls aged 2-11 years 59274_Longacre_Early_Years_Advert_129x89mm.indd 1 20/10/2022 09:27
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