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School Open Day Preparation - Education Advice

Open day visits are the time to award your own marks when deciding where to place your child. Get started with our cheat’s guide to preparation.

For more Education articles, click to view the Education Ezine

It is a good idea to draw up a comprehensive list of criteria so you can award scores, compare schools and make the most of your visit

While you are there read the noticeboards if you have time, and talk to the administration team.

Look at your surroundings as you are taken around the school.

Are there pictures on the wall, pupils’ work, records of achievement? Is it an inspiring environment?

Do take someone along with you too, if only to take notes or prompt you to ask questions.

When you telephone the school for an appointment are the secretaries and office staff helpful?

How do pupils look and behave, are they smart and polite?

Does the Headteacher deal with your questions effectively?

Do they come back to you with answers not given on the day but promised later?

Does he or she show an interest in your child?

How well are the teaching staff qualified?

Is it an established team?

What is the budget for resources your child may need to use, eg computers and books?

What will you be expected to provide?

Do the arrangements for looking after your child’s personal needs meet your expectations?

Ask about approaches to discipline – is the school stricter than you would expect?

Is the curriculum balanced and does it reflect the spread of subjects your child will need in the future?

Is this where you would like your child to learn and make friends?

For more useful information on choosing a school see our Education ezinewith expert help from The Good Schools Guide. The Good Schools Guide is the original straight-talking guide to choosing a school.

Headteacher profiles, an A-Z of schools, advice on financing a child’s education and tips on finding a tutor are all within this Ezine. It’s free to see and you can easily subscribe to the next one by filling in your details on page 3. That way you will receive the Ezine by email so you don’t have to remember to look for it next time you need it.

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Members Comments

Comment by: margotcb 16 February 2011 - 16:33

I especially regard reading notice boards - and all notices - as particularly important because these cover everyday activities and are not displayed with parents' visits in view - ie, there is no intent to impress, so you can get a clear insight into daily activities, how the school operates (and if teachers can spell, etc!). Invaluable!

I speak as a retired educationalist, as well as a retired Principal/teacher/lecturer who is anxious to maintain and improve educational standards in all schools.

Margot Collingbourn-Beevers, MA, DipEd

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