Visiting a school

Read the school’s online information very carefully, for example, their SEND information and SEND policy and think about what the school will need to do for your child and how they can help you.

Think about what you would like to find out, the questions to ask and the people you would like to meet.

Arrange the visit during the school day. This will help create a realistic impression of the setting and help make an informed decision.

First impressions are important but you should base any decision on a range of responses, experiences and the information you gather.

Arrange an initial visit to the school without your child – you can always return with them later. You may want to visit the school with a friend or relative with whom you can discuss important issues later on.

Think about how your child will travel to and from the school, consider the actual travelling time involved and the daily arrangements you will need to make.

Try, if possible, to meet the staff who could be involved with your child – the special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCo) is a good person to start with.

You may wish to make another appointment to talk further with the head teacher or to discuss your child with the staff, especially if you feel that there are queries you still need to clarify. You may be able to do this over the telephone, or maybe by email.

It may be helpful to ask:

• how the structure and timetable of the day and the teaching and learning in class will meet your child’s needs
• how the individual needs of children are met throughout the school day, for example, lunch and breaks
• whether there are particular areas of expertise or provision in school, for example, social communication groups, literacy support, circle of friends
• what arrangements there are for you, as a parent, to discuss your child’s progress and contribute to target setting and planning, learning opportunities, including homework
• whether your child would have to miss the same lessons or subjects to regularly work with any visiting professionals

It may be helpful to explore:

• any special adaptations and equipment your child may need?
• whether any extra activities are available after school
• whether there are opportunities to meet with parents of other children at school, perhaps through organised meetings, for example, PTA
• whether you will have to provide anything for your child, for example, uniform or stationery, or if you will be asked to contribute towards the cost of anything else, for example, books, organised trips or extra equipment
• the range and condition of equipment/resources in classrooms or workshops
• what the information and communication technology (ICT) facilities are like
• what the school’s expectations are of their children and parents
• the school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies – do they match your expectations of your child?
• if the school is a special school does it have links with other schools? If so what opportunities does this provide for children?
• if the school is a mainstream school are there opportunities to access outreach support from a special school?

Does the school feel welcoming and do the children seem well behaved and happy? Try to imagine whether your child would be happy in the school.

If there is anything you do not understand or are not happy with don’t be afraid to ask or speak about it there and then.

Discuss your thoughts and feelings about the school with the person you went with, or with your partner, a relative or friend.

Telephone or visit the school again if you want more information, perhaps with your child this time.

If your child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan, or is undergoing an EHC needs assessment, please feedback your views to the professionals involved.

It’s important that you are happy with the educational arrangements for your child and you are confident that the school can meet your child’s needs.

If you’re child will be attending a residential school there will be additional things to think about, and more questions you might want to ask.

These may include:

• what links will there be between the school and you, such as home visits or letters/emails?
• how and when you will be contacted about your child’s progress?
• how and when you will be contacted if there is a problem?
• would be possible for you to contact other parents of children at the school?
• what privacy will your child have?
• can you visit the dormitory or bedroom your child will use?
• will your child know who to go to if they are worried or have a problem?
• what arrangements are there for your child to telephone home or receive telephone calls?
• what arrangements are there if a child needs attention or is ill during the night?
• what are the bathroom facilities and routines?
• what arrangements are there for medical care?
• what opportunities will there be for your child to join out-of-school activities, for example, Brownies, Cubs, Guides, Scouts and youth groups?
• will your child get the same opportunities to shop, cook, clean and play as he or she would at home?

You might want to arrange to meet the person who will be responsible for the overall care of your child outside of school hours.

If it is proposed that your child remains at school over the weekend, what would be the range and programme of activities? It’s important that you are happy with the residential arrangements for your child, and that you are confident that the school can meet your child’s needs

If you need more support choosing a suitable school place for you child Devon Information, Advice and Support (DIAS) can help.

This team offers legally based and easily accessible impartial information and advice, to support children and young people aged 0 – 25 years, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents and carers.