Care and support

Questions to ask when visiting a school

We understand that visiting schools can be a daunting task and the need to make the right choice is very important. Here are some questions to use as a starting point when looking for a school place for your child with special needs.

You will think of things that are important to you and your family. If you visit several schools, particular features that you like about one school may be forgotten when you visit others so it is a good idea to jot down important things.
Schools are busy places.

The Headteacher or other members of staff should make time to answer your questions but it will be up to you to make the best use of the time available to you. Lastly, be prepared, be organised and make notes to refer to later.

• How is the school organised into departments? Is it by age, ability or subject groups?


• How does this change as my child gets older?


• How many staff are there in the school?
1. teaching
2. non-teaching/ support staff
3. employed to work with children with special needs
• What will the school do to make sure that all the staff know about my child’s individual needs?


• How many children would be in my child’s class?


• How would the other children be helped to understand my child’s special needs?


• How would my child be helped to make friends?


• When and how often are children taught out of the classroom?


• How does the school arrange extra support for children who need to?


• How does the school help children to learn how to behave and make the school a happy place?


• How does the school deal with bullying?


• How is children’s work assessed for progress?


• What happens if staff feel my child is not making adequate progress?


• What should I do if I feel my child is not making progress or if I have any concerns?


• How does the school make sure that all children have equal opportunities to take part in school trips?


• How would my child be encouraged to take part in out of class or school activities such as clubs or sports events?


• How often are written reports sent home?


• How would I be involved in the individual planning for my child’s special educational needs?


• How would I be kept up to date about what is happening in
  school? E.g. do you produce a regular newsletter?


• What health or medical facilities does the school have?


• How would my child get to know the school routine, especially in the first few days after starting?


• How would the school make sure my child has the chance to take part in all areas of the curriculum?


• Are all the areas of the school accessible to my child or would adaptations be necessary?