|
|
Post by knight on Sept 21, 2013 19:05:44 GMT
Hi all,
I was wondering: at what point do you approach schools to arrange an actual visit, to see which you think might be a good option for your future child? Around home-study? or, after linking, as you're approaching MP? I would have thought the latter because then you should know a little more about your linked child's needs but then I'm not sure if they'll expect you to have generally spoken to or been into the schools so that can go in your PAR?
I've looked at the Ofsteds of a few local schools and narrowed it down to two. I have had a brief chat with the Head of one school and spoke to staff at another school (which sounded fab, has a designated 'Nurturing Unit' and that's not just for LACs!!).
What do you think?
Tks
Knight x
|
|
|
|
Post by daisy1985 on Sept 21, 2013 19:18:14 GMT
Hi knight
We looking at local schools Ofsted reports but didn't contact any schools. We just spoke about the research we had done when we got to the local Area part of Home Study
I'd say you probably don't need to be looking until you have been linked at least as a lot of people change their ideas of ages etc as they go through home study and talk about what they feel they can best manage and you may end up with younger so won't need schools
Once we had MP date we approached the school we wanted for 'Bill' as he should have started school nursery earlier this month. We had a place confirmed yesterday morning (pure coincidence it fell on MP day but we spoke about it at panel)
'Ben' isn't due to start nursery for another 12 months so we have plenty bonding time!
Hope that helps, I'm sure more will be along soon with their views
Xx
|
|
|
|
Post by taliesin on Sept 21, 2013 23:35:21 GMT
It'll certainly help in HS that you've done that research. We discussed it in length during HS and was asked about it at panel, mainly because we're very rural with limited local options (being in a village was initially seen as a potential problem but one we'd already addressed as far as schooling was concerned). I wouldn't worry to much until you've linked....depending on the needs of the LO, will influence your decision even if at the moment 'x' school seems ideal. We've got a couple of years before need to do that thankfully so apart from picking brains of local mums, I've not got as far as contacting schools But all the more power to you for being so organised  !! |
|
|
|
Post by moo on Sept 22, 2013 7:31:33 GMT
Being also from a small rural village I also perceived it as a potential problem..... I went to 2 of the nearest & volunteered as a 'listener/reader'...... I found that a great option to check each school out beforehand ..... The school on paper that I thought was the best option, when on the inside I realised it wasn't....... It also gave me good child experience & my s/w liked that.... Hth...
xx. moo. Xx
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2013 13:29:34 GMT
Knight unless you live in a tiny village I don't see why you can't attend any schools open day.
You would just be going along on the tour like any other prospective parent. The tours are usually during the school day and you can tell a lot about the atmosphere in a school from observing the children in situ in the classrooms. or in the playground. or doing activities. Do they look happy, do they look engaged, what is the atmosphere around the school, are the children running wild, or polite, holding doors open for adults or whatever? It just gives you a feel about the ethos of the school.
Another good idea is to go to any Christmas fairs or summer fairs, as this also gives you a feel about the school community and the Parents Teachers Association, and gives you an opportunity to talk to other parents over a coffee or an ice cream, ask if their children are happy there, do they like the school, are the parents encouraged to go in and help etc etc There is nothing like getting a recommendation from a parent whose child is attending the school and this is hard to do if you don't have the opportunity to talk to them, hence going to school fairs which are open to all for a £1 admission fee. HTH
|
|
|
|
Post by knight on Sept 22, 2013 17:17:28 GMT
Hi
That's great everyone, thanks very much.
Great idea JMK of going to an open day, hadn't thought of that. I'll check out when they are.
Spinnaker: yes I can see that makes sense once you've met the child and can get an even better idea of what they'll need.
(Good news Daisy re: your school place confirmation - one less thing to worry about).
Thanks again
Knight x
|
|
|
|
Post by serrakunda on Sept 23, 2013 0:13:40 GMT
I did some research for home study but it didnt crop up as in issue for SW or panel.
During the matching process I was asked to write a report, ( for want of a better word) about how I could meet Simba's needs, this was also used at matching panel.
They were all impressed that I'd looked not only at primary, but also secondary and through to college level.
|
|
|
|
Post by annie70 on Sept 23, 2013 9:38:58 GMT
We have just had a meeting with Lo's SW and FF and are being taken forward - MP in November...
We made sure during home study that we knew about the 'character' of our local schools but until we were linked with blue we were not sure of age, temperament, special needs etc so did not make any approaches.
Now we know a bit more about him we have settled on a local school - it is not our 'catchment' school but as he will be a LAC for the first few months with us, the school we have chosen has to give him priority unless they are hugely over-subscribed and not legally allowed to take any more in a class.
We are meeting with Lo's school in the next few weeks so we are arranging a meeting with local school headmaster and SENCO and plan to ask them what they would like to know from his current school...
The actual application process is via the local authority and because it is past September it will be an 'in-year application'.
We plan to do a phased introduction to school with a full start in January.
Hope that helps Ax
|
|
|
|
Post by annie70 on Sept 23, 2013 15:45:48 GMT
ah yes Spinnaker - something to consider - thanks for spinning it  |
|
|
|
Post by monkey on Sept 23, 2013 19:30:04 GMT
Being also from a small rural village I also perceived it as a potential problem..... I went to 2 of the nearest & volunteered as a 'listener/reader'...... I found that a great option to check each school out beforehand ..... The school on paper that I thought was the best option, when on the inside I realised it wasn't....... It also gave me good child experience & my s/w liked that.... Hth...
xx. moo. Xx Moo, that sounds like a great idea. Wish I'd have thought about that. MMx |
|
|
|
Post by leo on Sept 23, 2013 19:54:21 GMT
Hate to say it but being a LAC does not get you admission into a school if the year group is full, we had refusals from 22 schools before finally getting a place at our first choice school by going to a Tribunal. The Year group my children are in seems to have been a boom year and nowhere had space. Mine had Statements too so that should have guaranteed them a place as well!
One thing to check when looking at schools is their staff turnover rates and whether any key staff (Headteacher/SENCO) are about to retire or move school. Sadly after the fight it took to get them there, the Headteacher changed afer a term and the school had a totally different feel to it and the understanding of their needs seemed to disappear with the old Head.
Sorry to be negative. Other things I would consider are:
- class sizes
- the layout of the school and how quiet it is/does it feel loud and bustling? (lots of children don't cope with this)
- is the SENCO a teacher in the school or a separate non-teaching job role (maybe gives an idea of how much time they can devote to the role but also how easy it is going to be for them to be able to give advice and direction to other staff) If separate, it also gives you an 'extra' person who may 'get' your child or someone who can fight their corner with the Head or class teacher if needed.
- when you visit the school, how many of the wall displays are about feelings, behaviour, social skills etc? (gives an idea of how much value is placed on the actual teaching of these elements rather than it simply being an expectation that children will behave/know how to socialise)
- are there visual timetables on display anywhere?
- can you see additional resources being used to support any children in the school as you walk around
- do the staff and/or children glance up at you and smile or are you ignored as you walk around? (gives a real feel of whether they are open and friendly)
Sorry, now I'm waffling. I think a general visit round schools before you are linked is helpful to narrow the field and then return visits when you know more. A welcoming and nurturing school will be happy for you to visit as often as you need!
Leo
|
|
|
|
Post by knight on Sept 23, 2013 20:24:53 GMT
Hi Leo, that's not negative at all, very helpful, thank you |
|
|
|
Post by kstar on Sept 24, 2013 22:37:18 GMT
Starlet's arrival took their class size to 29 briefly, resulting in them being split into two classes in September.
Made me very popular with the other mums as they now have lovely small classes, still with a full time teaching assistant in the room with them.
The head didn't even let me finish asking the question about being oversubscribed, she said class sizes were her problem not mine.
Needless to say it was a massive plus point that I didn't even have to fight them!
|
|
|
|
Post by vickyvixen on Sept 25, 2013 21:07:19 GMT
It is strange how you can get a feel for a school just by walking around it on an open day.
I was stressing about my BD moving to secondary school and I started looking at the schools a year before I had to.
I had a few issues in that we would have had to move to get her into the school I'd been tracking for 8 years & was my preferred choice - but when I actually went round it I didn't like it.
Fortunately for me my local school, which I'd always said I wouldn't send her too really won me over - having been so anti it for 8 years, I really liked it!
BD really likes to too, thankfully!
|
|
|
|
Post by swimchic on Sept 27, 2013 20:28:06 GMT
Once we were linked with Pink, then I looked at schools.
My first question was "have you experience of adopted children" and I visited them to see them in action.
One school we really liked and they have been fantastic with Pink.
Not only have they been super supportive, they haven't pushed Pink to be there 5 days full time, it is all at her pace.
|
|
|
|
Post by knight on Sept 27, 2013 21:28:24 GMT
Thanks Swimchic. Could I ask please, how are things with a 4 year old school-wise? I hear lots of BC's struggle with the transition from nursery to infants and of course, lots make the transition easily. So, would be great to hear your experiences with a newly placed 4 year old? Many thanks |
|
|
|
Post by swimchic on Oct 1, 2013 20:17:35 GMT
Thanks Swimchic. Could I ask please, how are things with a 4 year old school-wise? I hear lots of BCs struggle with the transition from nursery to infants and of course, lots make the transition easily. So, would be great to hear your experiences with a newly placed 4 year old? Many thanks With Pink we put photos of her school and her uniform in her intro book. We then went to the village fete and walked past the school and talked about it, she recognised it from her book too. Very luckily, the school secretary came out ( she was helping at the fete) and we all had a quick walk through the school! Currently, Pink does mornings only (8.50- 12 noon) and she really likes school. But everything has been done at her pace and the school have been extremly supportive with everything. Please feel free to pm me if you have any questions. Swimchic x |
|
|
|
Post by piglet on Oct 12, 2013 22:19:41 GMT
I apologise for not reading the full thread but I investigated schools anyway then when I had a MP date I rang up to have a look round.
I picked one outstanding (it was terrifying) and then a local good primary.
For us, because I suspected LO would need extra help the local was better.
We were told there wasn't a place. I said - sorry I want one - and they said ok.
I was told that you can pretty much argue any case to get in.
|
|
soon2be3
Bronze Member
Married Adopter
Posts: 72 
|
Post by soon2be3 on Oct 31, 2013 15:26:17 GMT
One of the questions we asked was would they be flexible and let me into school at lunchtime if AS needed me to be there?
We looked at schools once we had been formally linked although had done research before.
It was very strange looking around a school and trying to get a feel if our child would like it before we had met our son.
AS was older and had several moves so it was felt he would need more support and nurture.
The school we chose were very supportive from the start.
Another we looked at said they would not let me into school during the school hours so we knew, they would not be flexible or supportive.
|
|
|
|
Post by knight on Oct 31, 2013 21:01:58 GMT
Thanks all. Soon2be3 - good question, I'll add that to my list. I grabbed one of the mums when I was walking the dogs the other day.She didn't seem too thrown at being approached by a complete stranger but spoke well of one of the schools I have in mind and openly talked of some negativity in the past so I felt I was getting a good idea. But it's the nurturing I'm most concerned to hear about in a positive light. Thanks |
|
|
|
Post by jollymummy on Nov 1, 2013 19:07:48 GMT
I also went into the two local schools as a volunteer.
It really did give me a good perspective on the schools.
In the end we preferred one school because I had never heard an adult raise their voice to a child (I had seen this happen at the other school) but I would have been happy with either one.
If you have time I would definitely recommend it. (I did it once we were approved but before we were linked.)
|
|
|
|
Post by damson on Nov 4, 2013 21:07:20 GMT
When our two came home 9 years ago, just before the summer holidays, we had a choice of two schools.
The one we fancied wouldn't budge on class size for year 1. So we went to the second school, which was really great.
They were a 'nurturing' school, with an autism unit attached.
The ASC children were mainstreamed where possible, and all the children throughout the school learned to be both tolerant and supportive.
My DD went all the way through the school and into secondary school before she got an AS dx, so good were the primary school at inclusive behaviour.
Looking back, I think the autism unit was genuinely useful, because the level of tolerance of children's differences was very helpful.
|
|
|
|
Post by kstar on Nov 4, 2013 23:09:58 GMT
One thing I loved about Starlet's school from first meeting the head was the fact that all year groups mix together at play times.
Sounds like a small thing, but I took it to mean there was a real family ethos, which is true... But in addition, it meets Starlet's emotional needs in unexpected ways. She loved being "mothered" by the older girls when she first arrived.
Some days when she's feeling a little less secure, she likes playing with the year below as they are more on her emotional level sometimes.
She now loves being the "big girl" that reception look up to and want to play with, massive boost to her confidence.
Thinking long term, this will also help when she goes up to secondary as they all go to the same comprehensive she will know older students when she arrives :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by knight on Nov 5, 2013 13:48:34 GMT
That sounds like a good point kstar: interestingly, just popped into the local school a few minutes ago to make a general enquiry and the receptionist was adamant that the only admission deadline is January of each year.I'm guessing not as much experience of LAC's unless she's new. I'm going to ring the Head of both schools to visit whilst the kids are there, should give me a better idea. My initial reaction is the "on the doorstep" primary school but I'm just not getting that nurturing vibe at all. Maybe I'll think differently after I've been to both but the other with the nurture unit, as you say Damson, sounds much more attractive (my child may not need but at least it's there).
But tying back into the point re: Starlet's year groups being mixed works for her - sounds similar to the nurturing school as the year classes are smaller but are mixed so if say I have a year 1 child, she can mix with the reception children if that feels more comfortable and own year group if feels up to it, etc. It's such an important decision, I would just hate to have made the wrong choice, which then doesn't work for my future LO and we end up having to change, that wouldn't be good. Thanks for your input guys x |
|
|
|
Post by swimchic on Nov 23, 2013 21:48:59 GMT
Also, bear in mind LAC children get pupil premium which is money that the school gets to support the child in schools.
It is currently £900 per child, but is going up.
The school needs to apply for it from the authority that the child comes from NOT the authority that the child goes to school in!
Another thing, when looking at schools, make sure you ask about confidentiality.
We learnt the hard way, Pinks name was put on the school newsletter which went throughout the village and on line.
I was fuming, especially as we had discussed it with the school secretary a lot and had to get SS involved.
Ask about photographs too!
|
|
|
|
Post by knight on Jan 31, 2014 16:30:02 GMT
Well, it just goes to show you that you really do need to go into the schools and not just plump for one, for whatever given reason.
So, school [1] my preferred 1st choice but as I said in the earlier post, I didn't get the vibe they might 'get' adoption; so thought school [2] with its nurture unit and a recommendation from a local mum would be my final choice. Ooooohhhh how wrong was I?
School [1], actually is fantastic: the Head is passionate about the children, understanding of some of the issues adoption can bring, spoke well of the teachers but took me round each class from reception to Yr 6 at length. I assumed it would be a quick 'in and out' but we spent an enormous amount of time in the classes my child might go into; the kids looked happy, engaged and relaxed. I was surprised at the noise: my last memory is high school when you had to be quiet in class so to hear noisy but focused, comfy kids was so reassuring. Year 2 teacher came up to me and told me she was adopted - so I took the opportunity to ask how she'd deal with delicate curriculum topics which might be triggers: her approach seemed really positive, open, etc. At the end, met the SEN lady who had just finished with a handful of kids so sounds like they were having a little nurture-type group - she adopted a child a long time ago.
School [2]: disappointing - the nurture unit is not in operation (only if they have enough children needing it); the children didn't seem as comfortable as the kids at school [1] (though that might be down to the afternoon lull); the Head just didn't instill confidence, I feel so disappointed but maybe my expectations of this school were too high. The mum I know had an unhappy child at a different school and moved her to school [2] - so I shall take confidence in that.
I guess as most of you guys have experienced, the reality is that it will not come down to preference but places and the age of my child, which I won't know until linking. There is no give whatsoever in school [1]'s intake if there's no room, LAC or not, so here's hoping I am matched with a current reception age child where there is at least a place. School [2] - can usually get through on a discretionary appeal apparently. Hmm, I might need to go visit school [3] !!
I discussed with both Heads my priority of social skills, nurture etc rather than the academic side per se: I got positive responses from both Heads with examples of how they apply those aspects - so, lots to think about but I am very pleased that I've been around both schools, highly recommended rather than just making assumptions.
|
|
|
|
Post by kstar on Jan 31, 2014 22:27:05 GMT
Sorry but the school is not entitled to say no.
Talk to your social worker about it, mine told me not to even think about it, the LA wouldn't accept a no for a LAC!
Starlet's school was oversubscribed and ended up having to split the class in half but they did it without hesitation.
|
|
|
|
Post by leo on Feb 1, 2014 21:11:41 GMT
That didn't work in my LA Kstar!
We were refused places at 22 primary schools before finally gaining a place by actually regressing a year (at the school I had first chosen).
My children were Statemented too so should technically have been even further up the list.
But if a class is full they do not have to take a child if it takes them over 30 in a class or if there is not enough physical space in the classroom.
I think most schools are accommodating if they can be, but if they are already pushed for space and you miss the usual Reception admission time then it can be tricky.
As it happened, six months at home with me was probably the best thing possible as it allowed for lots of funneling and bonding time.
I hope you do get the school place you think is best for your LO.
|
|
thespouses
Bronze Member
Married Adopter
Posts: 91
|
Post by thespouses on Feb 3, 2014 14:49:32 GMT
We did a little research into the ethnic mix of the local schools as we couldn't be sure what the ethnicity of a potential child would be, and it might not have matched us (in fact DS does match us, but our next match might not if you see what I mean).
This meant we were able to say "in school A. a child who was of X ethnicity would not feel like they stuck out like a sore thumb" and this helps to show you have thought about how you'd support a child's ethnic background; the same might be true of investigating their special needs provision.
Now we have DS I've also been checking the after school provision, as we'd need to use that at least sometimes.
School A. and school B. both have after school clubs, with one having both a very popular on-site club and a somewhat random off-site club, while school B. has an on-site club.
School B's club doesn't have helpful hours for working parents though (which makes me ask, what's the point?) and we are leaning towards a childminder after school anyway.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2014 15:50:18 GMT
Bumping for Ad-minnie to read.
|
|
!!
