Educating our children can seem like a bit of a minefield. There are so many options out there; it is hard to know if you have made the correct decision. As a parent myself, one thing I have learnt is that what is right for one child isn’t necessarily right for another so it is important that is kept in mind when choosing the next step regardless of what stage your child is at.
September is when we all wave our children off back to school after the long summer break. For some, they will be going back with a hop and a skip, for others, it may be a little trickier and that could be because they are not in the best environment for them. It is also a time that a number of independent schools start opening their doors for you to come and have a look in the format of an open day. This can be a really good opportunity for you to have a look at other options without too much commitment to making a move. It is true that every independent school will welcome you to come and visit at any time and it will usually be quite a formal visit. An open day gives you the option of going along with a bit less pressure – you do not, for example, have to have a meeting with the head (although you can of course do so) but you will be able to see the school, meet some of the teachers and get a feeling for what it would be like to be a pupil there.
WHO? It is up to you if you want to take your son or daughter along with you. Sometimes it is good to go alone and see what you think first, especially if you are unsure if it is a move you are ready to commit to but, ultimately, your son/daughter will be a very good gauge that a school is right.
QUESTIONS? Think about what is important to you before you go and have an idea of questions that you would want to ask. Don’t be afraid to ask about scholarship and bursary opportunities. Most independent schools offer scholarships to talented children and they can make something that you may think unattainable, affordable.
WHEN? Most schools will hold open days on week days and also on Saturday mornings and I suppose there are positives and negatives to both. Whilst it is often more convenient to go on a Saturday morning, going during a normal school day can give you a much better feel for what everyday life can be like at that school which can be of enormous benefit to you when forming an opinion.
PUPILS? The existing pupils at a school are a good reflection on what that school is like so it is important to see how they interact and if they seem happy. A large contributing factor to why I chose my children’s school was based on the fact that every child I had met was happy, content and confident to be themselves! At an open day you are often shown round the school by pupils from the school giving you a good opportunity to ‘hear it from the horses mouth’
HOMEWORK? Before you go, have a look on the school website as it will give you answers to a number of questions. As with OFSTED for state run schools, independent schools are also inspected. You can see the latest reports on the ISI website www.isi.net
Whatever route you choose, it’s always good to know that you have explored all options before making a final decision! Good luck!
