Five Questions to ask When Visiting a Primary School
If your child is preparing to begin school-life, it can be an exciting and nervous time for both parents and children. Anxiety can originate from the thought of choosing the wrong Primary or Junior School for your child. You may have lots of questions about their new school, but the best way to answer them is by visiting the school.
Like anything, it’s best to be prepared. To help with your future visit, we’ve compiled some important questions to consider before entering the school grounds.
1. What is Communication Like Between the School and Parents?
This is an important one, as every school will be different. Some schools may provide excellent communication across a wide range of digital channels, utilising apps or Social Media, while some may like to discuss topics on a more formal basis, at dedicated Parents Evenings.
Building relationships with your child’s Primary School is important. Parents will want to be involved in as much as they possibly can, so finding a school that offers a greater level of transparency is always a plus!
2. What Are the Class Sizes & Teacher-To-Student Ratio
This is an important question and is often a main reason for parents opting to choose Independent or Private Schools, like The High School of Glasgow. The smaller the class size, the more attention each individual pupil can receive, which is especially important in Primary School where pupils may find it difficult to communicate their struggles.
According to the Scottish Government, the legal limit for Primary 1 classrooms is 25 pupils, while P2 and P3 have a maximum of 30 per classroom. Primaries 4-7 can legally hold up to 33 pupils at one time.
3. What Type of Meals Can Be Expected for Lunch?
When it comes to food, every child is different. Your child might opt to bring in a packed lunch or buy something from the refectory.
You could ask questions, such as:
- Will my child’s vegetarian diet be respected?
- Is their clear allergy information?
- Will hot food be served?
- Are parents sent the school menu in advance?
If you’re planning on preparing a packed lunch for your child, it’s recommended that you ask the school what is allowed, and what is not. Most items will be okay; however, it’s always best to have a full understanding, as some schools could have a nut free policy.
4. Are There Clubs Held Before and/or After School?
Many parents’ working hours extend past the average school day. If you’re a parent who works before or after the time your child is in school, choosing a Primary School that can accommodate children across a wider timeframe can provide great relief.
If the school does offer additional clubs, enquire about what will be included and if there’s fees involved. Often, these clubs provide breakfast or an afternoon snack, so like lunchtime, it’s best to ensure your child’s dietary requirements are known.
Even if there’s no childcare requirement for your child to attend these clubs, it’s a great way to build relationships and get involved in activities they may not have the opportunity to experience at home.
The High School of Glasgow Out of School Care
At The High School of Glasgow, we offer our Junior School pupils the chance to get involved in our Out of School Care programme.
We provide the facilities for children to engage in outdoor and indoor activities. Whether they want to spend their time playing ball games and puzzles, or simply catch-up with homework, they’re given the freedom to do-so.
5. What is the School’s Method of Dealing with Bullying
An unfortunate truth is that bullying can exist in schools, especially when children are young and still learning to communicate with their peers. It can be a worry for most parents with children starting Primary School, so any school will be more than happy to provide an answer to questions surrounding this.
Every school and faculty will deal with incidents of bullying differently. Ask for examples of their approach and how they would communicate the situation with parents of the victim and preparator. Hopefully their response will put you at ease about the situation.
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Knowledge is Power
For Parents, it can often be a struggle to find the best school, but with the questions provided above, you’ll hopefully be in a better position for choosing the right one for you and your child.
If you’re passionate about your child receiving a first-class education and incredible opportunities and experiences, click the button below to learn more about The High School of Glasgow Junior School, based in Bearsden, Glasgow.