by Frances Laing

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: March 23, 2011

We want to do right by our children - but as far as choosing the most appropriate school is concerned the power of 'right' may be restricted by our situation: how much money or resources we have - which country or neighbourhood we live in - what local government is doing - and even what religion we are. So where's a good place to start?

Before we even start to discuss educational philosophies we need to face facts and think logistics and finances. The school-choice-decision-making-process needs to start at least a year before a child is due to attend. Preferably before that. Whether you're leaning towards a state-funded or independent school you need to make sure you don't miss the registration deadlines. Set up a paper or computer folder where you can store all your school application information at the start.

Find out what the age of compulsory school age attendance is in your country as this can vary widely. You can glean this information from local authority websites, from local nursery or play school websites and/or by talking to your play school providers any parents you meet - and yes, your midwife. Don't laugh - it's not too early to ask your midwife about it - some people actually put their child's name down at local nurseries attached to their school of choice when their children are only six months old! And continuity is important for your child - it may make things a lot easier if your child attends a nursery and then as they grow older you only need to go 'next door' to school!

Get a sample copy of the application forms for your file in plenty of time and think through the criteria involved in the application process. Some local authorities operate a parental choice system - whereby parents choose five schools in order of preference - stating the reasons for their preferences and giving personal background which may provide evidence of their needs (for example you may give information about the siblings of children who are already attending your preferred school(so that your children can attend the same school), You may choose or need to state your religion to back up their preferences for a denominational school). If your child has a disability this may influence your choice of school and you may need to gather information and advice from specialists to find out which school might be best for your family.

If you have the means to choose a private school - you still need to sit down and plan long term. You need to make sure this is a sustainable option - and perhaps set up sustainable trust funds for your child and allocate funds accordingly.

Take time to visit school open days and read local government school performance reports if you can. Learn about the educational process your child will be going through and it will help you in your choice. Finally, always remember that what you do at home with your child from the day they are born will help them enjoy the gift of learning. So talk to your child, read them stories to help with communication skills and engage actively with the staff and the community at your nursery, playschool and school settings.

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