The Road to Learning 2008
Which school?
Whether you are applying for a place in a nursery, reception (infant) or junior class for your child, you may want to visit schools to help you decide the schools they would like to apply for.
When visiting these schools, here are some of the things to think about and ask.
Where is the school?
- Can my child walk to the school?
- Is it convenient for childminders or after-school care?
- How easy is the journey to my nearest school?
How big is the school?
- How many classes are there in each year group?
- How many children and how many teachers and assistants are there in each class?
- Would I prefer an infant school (for children aged 4 to 7) or a primary school (for children aged 4-11)?
- If I choose an infant school, what happens when my child is 7 years old? Which school will they go to then?
What are the school's rules and policies?
- Does each school have its own policies agreed by the governors on matters like behaviour, discipline and uniform?
What is available for my child?
- How often will my child be able to use a computer?
- How often will my child be given a new reading book? Is there a library?
- Are musical instrument lessons offered?
- What equipment is available in the classroom and the playground (for instance toys and games)? Is this equipment clean and tidy?
- How big is the playground and is there a sports field?
- What are the arrangements for lunchtimes?
What support is available for my child?
- What if my child feels unwell?
- What if my child needs to take medicine at school?
- What if my child has special diet, or speaks a different language, or has particular religious or cultural beliefs?
- What if my child has a disability or special educational needs?
These are just some of the things to think about. Each school will also be able to give you:
- The school prospectus (information about how the school runs)
- The most recent Ofsted inspection report for the school
- The school's examination results; and
- The governing body's annual report
Please ask the staff any other questions you may have or voice any concerns you may have about your child going to a particular school.
Important information
If your child goes to a particular nursery class, this does not guarantee them a place at, or priority for, a particular infant or primary school. Also, going to a particular primary or junior school does not guarantee them a place at, or priority for, a particular secondary school.
Reception applications for September 2007 entry
Some schools are oversubscribed (receive more applications than places available) and you will need to check if the school you are interested in falls into this category. You will find the total number of applications received for each school, by last year's closing date of 9 February 2007, on the statistical information (
PDF 46K) pages.
To view PDF files requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Questions on the application process for reception classes
The aim of these web pages is to give you all the information you need when applying for a reception place for your child. The schools can give you information about the school, its teaching, learning and daily arrangements. The Admissions and Attendance Team can tell you about getting a place in a reception class (admission process).
So if you want to know about, the admission criteria (conditions for admission) and how school places are issued, or the likelihood of your child being given a place at a particular school, please ask the Admissions and Attendance Team.
