by Gia Fre

Created on: June 12, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

Finding an ideal school for your children can be difficult. It is yet another worry when you're moving. You are busy thinking about packing, unpacking, where to put things, arrival of new furniture so choosing a school can be quite daunting too and yet another thing to do. Don't just look at league tables as sometimes it is important to think about your child's happiness not just how intelligent they are.

I have put together some tips for how you can chose which school is best for your child as it can be a very complicated and overwhelming experience trying to establish which would be the best for your child.

Do look at league tables and offsted reports so you can see where they officially lie compared to other schools.

The most important things to think about concerning a new school when you move should be what feel you get for the school.

Every place you go you pick up a certain feel. When you choose your new house you will know it is the right one for you due to it's feel so it should be the same for a school.

Look around the local schools, see what feel you get from them. Can you imagine your children there? Can you see them being happy there?

Weigh up the size of the school; will your child be best in the large school with lots of children or will they prefer the smaller school?

Does the school specialise in a certain area? Do they really focus on the sciences, languages? If so how will this effect your child?

Thnk about what the school has to offer. What kind of extra curricula activities do the schools offer? Which of these activities would enhance your child and would they enjoy? Do they have a swimming pool? Do they have a large sports field? A sports hall?

Look at the location of the school. How would your child get there? Would it mean a long bus ride? Would it mean you walking them there every day? What facilities do the schools offer for this for example school busses and after school clubs.

What is the general quality of the school like? Are the walls needing more paint? Do the facilities look in need of modernising?

What are the staff like? Do the teachers seem approachable and friendly? If you see them teaching what do you think of their style? Do you think it would inspire your child?

My main tip would be to go to an open day if possible so that the school is seen in the best light.

Once you have visited the schools possible, make a list of all the negatives and positives before weighing them up properly and making your decision.

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