• contact your local authority for information about schools near you
• ask yourself which of the schools would best fit your child’s needs
• visit schools
• read individual school prospectuses, achievement and attainment data and Ofsted reports

Contacting your local authority

Your local authority is a useful source of information. It can provide you with details on a number of important areas, including:

• the application process and deadlines
• the number of pupils at each school
• how places will be allocated if the school is oversubscribed (the admissions criteria)
• details of where to find more information

It is a good idea to start gathering information as soon as possible, so that you can plan visits to schools and make applications on time. You can get information about schools from your local authority online.

Get the full prospectus booklet

You can also ask your local authority for a copy of its full prospectus booklet (known in most areas as the ‘Information for Parents’ booklet). Each local authority produces this every year, available free to parents. It is usually published in the summer.

You can also pick up a copy of the booklet at your local library.

What type of school best fits your child’s needs?

Once you have found a number of local schools which could suit your child, draw up a shortlist of possibilities.

Before you apply to a school think about your child’s personality and what their needs are. Also consider your family’s needs: would you prefer a school which can offer access to after-school childcare? You may find that the school with the best reputation is not necessarily the best choice for your child or your family.

Which school does your child prefer?

Find out what matters to them. You might not agree, but it’s important to talk about where they would like to go. This may be more relevant when your child is older and you are choosing a secondary school. Where are their friends going? Starting a new school can be daunting and having one or two close friends can help.

Does your child need special attention?

If your child is very bright, has particular behavioural patterns or has special needs, it’s important to find a school that will be able to give them the support they need.

Does your child have specific interests?

If they are keen on sport or enjoy specific subjects such as maths, languages, art or music you may be able to find a school that has the facilities to develop their interests. Some specialist schools focus on one subject but still follow the National Curriculum.

What extended services does the school offer?

An increasing number of schools are becoming extended schools. These offer services outside normal school hours, such as breakfast clubs or after-school activities.

Eventually all mainstream and special schools will be able to offer access to childcare between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm, all year round. Childcare might be provided on the school site, or at a local care provider (such as a childminder). Check school prospectuses for information about extended services, and what they cost.

Visit the school

Probably the best way to find out if a school is right for you and your child is to go and see it for yourself. Most schools have open days or evenings, providing a good opportunity to see schools at their best, to tour the school, meet staff and have a look at children’s work. While you are there, ask yourself:

• how welcoming does the school feel? Will it suit your child? Are you impressed by the children’s work on display?
• is the school well equipped? Where do children do sport? Do they have access to computers?
• how will your child get to school? What is the safest way for your child to get there? It’s worth remembering that long journeys can be tiring for children and winter mornings and evenings can be dark and cold
• does the school encourage parents to get involved? The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) may be able to give you more information about the school and advice about the admissions process

School performance data and Ofsted reports

You might also like to read individual school prospectuses, achievement and attainment data and the latest school reports from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

Source: DirectGov. Crown copyright.