Parents have been warned to avoid five red flags when embarking on school open days.
Whether you're looking for a primary school, secondary school or sixth form college, there are plenty of things to consider.
The Great British Schools Guide (GBSG) recommends doing your research, as you can use facts on school websites to skip the ones which don’t suit your child’s interests or are impractical to travel to.
Additionally, it has pointed out a number of red flags that may well be cause for concern.
5 red flags for parents to spot on school open days
There are 'no-go' areas at the school
The Great British Schools Guide advises parents to make sure there are not significant zones “out of bounds”.
It adds: "Your child is attending the whole school, not just the polished parts you’re allowed to visit."
The school tour is too polished
A tour of the school being overly polished can also be a potential warning sign.
The GBSG said: "It’s natural that the school will look to showcase pupils who are happy to deal with prospective parents, but there should be REAL pupils with real personalities, not little robots."
Out-of-date or poorly managed displays on classroom walls
Displays in classrooms should be "informative, fun and up-to-date" so it could be a slight concern if they are poorly managed.
No current pupils on open day
The GBSG shares that no current pupils being available on the open day could be a red flag, as "the school should be proud of whom it teaches."
Senior leader who disappears after the parent’s presentation
Finally, a senior leader who disappears after the main presentation and doesn't stick around for parent questions could also be seen as concerning.
Green flags parents need to know for school open days
The GBSG has also shared a number of green flags for parents to keep in mind on school open days:
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- Can I take my child out of school for a holiday during term time?
- Pupils missing out on school trips despite proven wellbeing and learning benefits
- A “warts-and-all” tour of the school
- Chatty, happy pupils taking school tours
- Accessible and open senior leaders who are happy to spend time answering questions.
- Up-to-date and interesting work showcased on classroom walls
- A thriving and welcoming PTA who are genuinely happy to help you make your school choice
The guide also recommends listening to the headteacher and senior leaders present, as these first-hand impressions will sell the ethos of the school.
Will you be keeping an eye out for these factors when attending school open days? Let us know in the comments.
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