*this post is a collaboration
When the time comes for you to start looking into schools for your child, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. There’s plenty to consider and wrap your head around which can be quite demanding, but with the right research and information you should be able to make a decision that you’re pleased with. I have joined forces with a British international school to share some tips on choosing the right school for your child.
Begin by considering what’s important to you and your family. Do you need the school to be located on a bus route or within walking distance? Does your child have any special educational needs or a language barrier that need to be catered to? Would you like to send your child to a single sex or a coeducational school? Would you like the school to be independent or public? Once you have a list of your priorities, you should be able to rule out some definite no’s and start to narrow down your search.
The next step is to do some online research. Most schools have decent websites which will allow you to learn a little more about them, such as their aims and ethos, their curriculum and teaching methods and even their inspection reports and parent testimonials. This should then help you put together a shortlist of schools that you would like to visit.
During your visits, have a list of questions ready that you can ask the staff and current pupils. You should also consider whether or not the teachers are warm and welcoming and if the school seems clean and safe. Do the students seem happy? Are they smartly dressed? How many students are in each class? Is there a pleasant outdoor area for break time? Again, there’s a lot to think about, but you should be able to gauge the general feel of the school as soon as you walk through the doors.
Try and get your child involved in the decision process as much as possible. After all, they are the ones who are going to be spending most of their time at the school. Getting them involved should also ease any anxiety they might be feeling as well, as it will allow them to feel more in control.
Violet x
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