Parent Partnership Service :: Our publications - Checklist for visiting schools, text only

Skip Navigation

Parent Partnership Service

Home :: Publications :: Events :: News :: Volunteers :: Training :: Contact Us :: FAQs

Text only publications page :: Graphical publications page

Checklist for visiting schools

Information for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities

Are you looking at schools for your child?

Things to consider before your visit

It might be more helpful to visit in school hours when children are in class.
Will it be helpful to take your child with you?
Do you want a guided tour around the school and a chance to ask questions?
Do you want another adult to come with you?
Can you talk to other parents and children about the school?
Is the school easy to get to?
Each school has a teacher who co-ordinates arrangements for special educational needs (the SENCO).
You may like o discuss your child's needs with the SENCO.

Questions to ask about children

How does the school arrange extra support for children who need it?
Is the support usually provided within the classroom?
How are children helped to mix with other children?
What does the school do to make sure that pupils and staff know that everyone has different needs?

About schools

Are all areas of the school accessible to your child or would adaptations be necessary?
How many children would be in your child's class?
How does the school help children to learn how to behave and make it a happy place for everyone?
What's the school's attitude to children with special educational needs?
How do they make sure the school is safe?
How do they involve parents in school life?
How will the school communicate with you about your child and his or her progress?

Things to look for

Do you feel welcomed?
Are the children looking happy? Are they helpful and friendly?
Do the classrooms look like places where children can learn?
Does the whole school look orderly and under control?
Are the corridor and toilet areas clean and tidy?
Is there evidence that the school celebrates different cultures?
Are the displays current and interesting and do they seem to include pupils of all abilities?
Do the staff seem interested in you and your child?
Would you like to spend your days there?

Written information

There are several standard documents that the school should have – you make like to ask for:

the school brochure;
the special educational needs policy;
the behaviour policy;
the equal opportunities policy; and
the governors' annual report to parents.

Other things to think about

Staff should have a positive attitude towards children, be willing to make the most of the children's strengths and help them through their difficulties.

Parents should be treated as partners in a team working together for the good of the child and valued for their contribution.

The school governors have some responsibilities special educational needs within the school.

Another leaflet which you mat find helpful ‘Which School?'

We are based in the voluntary sector and are supported by the Family Welfare Association and funded by Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

Parent Partnership Service
Suite 5 Clarendon Chambers
32 Clarendon Street
Nottingham NG1 5LN

Unit C
International Clothing Centre
Annesley Road
Hucknall
NG15 8AY

Phone, fax or minicom: 0115 948 2888

This number is for City and County parents

Email: enquiries@ppsnotts.org.uk

Website: www.ppsnotts.org.uk