How to Identify A Good School For Your Child

Deciding which school to send your child to is a big deal, and it can be pretty confusing. That is why I have some helpful suggestions on what to look for that you will find below.

Good or better OFSTED results

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, OFSTED results are a decent way to assess the quality of a school, so it’s well worth checking them before you and your child make a decision on which school to send them to. Remember that an overall grade of outstanding means that a school is excellent in every area, and good means they are producing strong learning outcomes. While requiring improvement means they need to make changes, and inadequate means they need changes right away and are not doing well. 

A wide curriculum 

One of the things that is crucial to look for when choosing a school with your child is the curriculum that is on offer. Yes, many people focus on the big three that are maths, science and english and these are certainly important. However, they are not the be all and end all of education, or the only things that lead to well paying and satisfying jobs. With that in mind, choosing a school with a wider curriculum that includes PE, art, dance, drama, music, media, and business is a good idea, as this will allow your child to have as much choice as possible when it comes to their future. 

Good school facilities 

Another factor you will need to consider is the physical facilities offered by the school. This involved two different aspects, including how well the building is maintained and the specific amenities they have. 

For example, a school that is clean, tidy, well-maintained and includes decorations like this wall art for schools, which is designed to be educational and aesthetic, are a good bet. This is because it shows that the staff consider the entirety of your child’s education, as well as that all the staff and pupils take a real pride in their school, which is a positive sign of behaviour for learning. 

Amenities, on the other hand, may include things like swimming pools, drama studios, and lecture theatres. State-of-the-art amenities like this show that the school is investing in your child’s learning and will give them the opportunity to thrive. 

Plenty of extracurricular activities 

You should also look out for schools that offer plenty of extracurricular activities. These are important for the overall growth and well-being of your child and can help them enrich their lives, as well as build their confidence. 

Typical extracurricular activities include music lessons and sports clubs. Although some schools go much further than this, putting on productions, choirs, and even offering electives built into the school day, which allow students to try something new and expand their experiences. 

Positive recommendations 

Last of all, positive recommendations from someone you know whose child has had a good experience can count for a lot here. Be sure to ask friends and family members what their children’s experience has been like in school. Also, try to stay clear of social media posts as these tend to lean negative and are written by people with an axe to grind rather than being a true representation. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.