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Questions To Ask A New School When You Visit

Factsheet for Parents and Carers

Below are a list of questions, ideas and tips that will help you when visiting a new school.

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Questions, Ideas and Tips

  • What arrangements will be in place for my child’s transition into the school?
  • How large is the classroom? Does it look like a space where my child can learn?
  • How will you make sure that my child has the support they need in school – e.g. 1:1 Teaching assistant, specialist teachers?
  • How will the school ensure that my child is able to access the curriculum as fully as possible?

Think about your child’s difficulties and strengths. What is your child good at and can they develop their interests in the new school?

  • Think about your child’s difficulties and strengths. What is your child good at and can they develop their interests in the new school?
  • Will the school include your child on day and residential trips? Will your child be able to access any after school activities and lunchtime clubs?
  • Do the teaching / support staff who would be working with your child have relevant specialist training or the opportunity to access necessary training?
  • Does your child need any specialist resources? If so, does the school have access to them? E.g. Sensory play resources, outdoor spaces, sensory rooms
  • Does your child need any therapy? E.g. Speech Therapy or Physiotherapy. If so, how would this be managed?
  • Will your child be able to get around the building easily?
  • What policy does the school have for contact with parents? E.g. Home schoolbook / Class dojo
  • Look at the other children – are they happy, do they get on well with each other?
  • Do you feel that you are made welcome? Do the staff seem interested in you and your child?
  • Do you think that your child would be happy here?
  • Are the displays current and interesting and do they seem to include pupils of all abilities?

You could make a list of all the things you were happy with and those that you were not. Keep this list and use it for comparing with any other schools that you look at. You might like to discuss your feelings about new schools with a friend or someone from SENDIASS / KIAS.

Where can we get information, advice and support?

At Kirklees Independent Advice Service (KIAS) and Calderdale SENDIASS we can give free, legally based, confidential, impartial advice and support including:

  • Advice on SEN support at school / college aged 0 - 25 years
  • Explain the EHCP assessment process and your rights
  • Support in Annual reviews and meetings
  • Support in mediation and appeals
  • Advice on school exclusions

Who do I contact?

We would be happy to hear from you on:

KIAS – (Kirklees enquiries)
Telephone: 0300 330 1504

SENDIASS – (Calderdale enquiries)
Telephone: 01422 266141