Primary/Junior School

Rear their ofsted reports. If you know anyone local with school age children, or are a member of any community groups online then you could ask for other parents experiences with the local schools x

Yeh I’d defo say speak to other parents more so than ofsted reports. You can’t apply for reception until it opens up for your child’s age group. (September the year before they start, so next year for us) Going to the pre-school etc has zero bearing on the decision for a place at reception at school level. So it’s really up to you what you want him to do before then. Check the government/council websites that will show general performance statistics, catchment area, furthest distance offered previously etc. Also look at admissions criteria and policies on each schools site, they should have info on tours/open days.

So, I was told that we should start looking at schools websites next year June/July to book an opening day. The opening days usually happen in September/October and you have to register your interest usually by January. You should always apply for at least 3 schools. I wouldn't really only on Ofsted report because Ofsted has to announce their visit beforehand so the schools can prepare for them and I believe that it's basically a show time for the inspectors. I would ask for recommendations on your local FB page and mums friends. Another criteria would be distance from your home, unless you don't mind being stuck in traffic twice a day.

I’m in the same boat but my son is at a private nursery and will stay there until school as the school nurseries don’t provide the childcare hours I need. Like the others have said, find out from other parents in your area about the pros and cons of different schools. It’s good to know about class sizes (I’ve just learned from my SIL that composite classes are now with P1s,2s & 3s) which I find quite shocking - I’m in Scotland though and our eduction is quite poor now under our government here. Also, you might need to consider what schools offer breakfast and after school clubs, and check with childminders about what schools they can collect from depending on your work pattern. This will be one of the big things that influence my decision. Also things like the demographics of the town you stay in - if there are more affluent parts and you can access those schools then usually this has an impact on resources they have and the type of people your child will be sharing a class with x

Ofsted reports can be good to look at to give you your first insight. Parents give feedback during Ofsted which will be mentioned in the report so that's a good place to start. I also wouldn't go any less than a 'good' overall rating. Ofsted only announce themselves the day before their visit so it's a good place to start. However, yes, I would speak to parents of children that currently go to the schools, I would ask what the communication is like between school and home. Things to think about too are like someone mentioned above: demographic but also facilities, size of school, number in classes, how many form entry, maybe find out a bit about the headteacher. We have 2 schools by me, one is a small, one from entry with small grounds but in a posher area and smaller classes so more kind of intimate school where everyone knows everyone, the other is a two form entry, has a massive field and playground, in a little more of a mixed area. In the end it all depends what suits your child 😊