Getting the most from an independent school Open Day

September and October is a time when many schools hold their Open Days. For those considering the independent sector, it is important to get your applications in as soon as possible. Places are quickly reserved and most schools operate a waiting list system. You can submit your application any time after the birth of your child and even if you are unsure at this stage having confirmed places will give you the maximum choice as your child nears school age.

It is useful to see as many relevant schools as you can over a short period of time so that you can make clear comparisons while the visits are fresh in your mind. School Open Days are an excellent way of getting a good insight into a school.

Beforehand

1. Read the school prospectus in advance of your visit. This is the school's main sales document and will convey the impression the school wants you to have. It also states what type of school it is, its aims and objectives and basic information about its facilities, academic record etc.

2. Look up the school's entry on the ISCis website www.iscis.uk.net and also look at the Independent Schools Inspectorate's website www.isinspect.org.uk to see if the relevant schools have had a recent inspection by the ISI.

First Impressions

1. Many schools have superb buildings, facilities and grounds but the buildings are not as important as what goes on in them. Look at the children - do they seem happy? Are they polite to staff and visitors?

2. Try to get an opportunity to speak to pupils without school staff present. Most schools allow this and it shows they are confident about how their pupils feel and how they will behave.

During your visit

1. The head and senior staff are the most important people in the school. You should feel completely confident about the people responsible for your child's welfare. However, remember that the head may not remain at the school for the entire length of your child's education so don't choose on the sole basis of liking them.

2. Find out how discipline is maintained. You need to be clear in your own mind what sort of discipline you approve of. Ask about school rules - what parent contact is used when problems arise; do they have prefects/monitors and what are their roles; what punishments are used, what is the school's attitude to bullying/smoking etc.

3. Independents schools are not obliged to follow the National Curriculum so make sure you are happy they offer a broad and balanced curriculum. Check that arts and languages are well provided. Find out how children move up through the school - are they streamed according to ability or put into sets for certain subjects. What arrangements do they have for slow learners or accelerating quick ones? Do they provide good guidance for moving up to senior school or university?

4. Ask about their recent exam results, but remember that results do not tell you everything and should be interpreted with care. Some prep schools may concentrate to sending its pupils to good state senior schools rather than getting top results in the Common Entrance examination. Ask where the leavers move to. Some schools cater for children with a wider range of abilities and have less spectacular results. Make sure you are choosing the best school for your own child's abilities and aptitudes.

5. Class sizes are often important to parents. Compare to the state school average of 30 but remember class size is not the same as teacher:pupil ratio. Factor in specialist teachers, classroom assistants and also the amount of time a teacher has to spend on administrative duties outside the classroom.

6. Ask about how the school keeps parents informed of your child's progress and of other developments and events. How often are full reports written? Are there regular newsletters? How often do parents get chance to talk to the teacher? Is there a parents' association and are they any parents on the governing body? What is the school's complaints procedure?

7. Find out about the buildings and equipment. A well-stocked and well-used library or fully equipped science laboratories can be better guides to a school than an Olympic-size swimming pool. Ask about particular areas of the curriculum and extra-curricular activities that are important to you.

8. Make a list of other questions you may have eg. catering (if your child has a special dietary requirement), what arrangements are made if a child is ill. Also if you don't know other children at the school, ask for names of parents at the school and get in touch to discuss the school with them.

Finally, remember to keep notes about each school you visit. When visiting several schools in a short space of time it is easy to get details confused. Once you have narrowed your selection to a couple of schools you will want to go back and have a further and more individual visit before making your final decision.