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Choosing the Right Independent School: 11 Tips for Informed Decision-Making

The following information applies both to independent mainstream and independent specialist schools, and is based on first-hand experience of both sectors.

Reading between the lines….

Choosing the right school for your child is a critical decision that can significantly impact their academic and personal development. Sometimes your research alone may not be enough. Here are some tips to help you avoid making a poor decision when selecting an independent school.

    1. Scrutinise the school’s website

    A school’s website serves as its digital front door. A well-maintained, contemporary, well designed, easy-to-navigate, engaging and error-free website suggests that the school values quality and takes pride in its communication, which would indicate that the school puts the same emphasis on quality of education.

    Content Quality: Ensure the website provides comprehensive information about the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the school’s ethos. Detailed and transparent content can give you a good sense of what the school offers and how it operates.

    Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Multiple spelling and grammar mistakes can indicate a lack of attention to detail and professionalism.

    2. Review School Policies

    Behaviour Policies: Examine the school’s behaviour policies to ensure they are supportive rather than punitive. Gabor Maté talks about three styles of parenting—authoritarian (punitive and fear-based), permissive (no boundaries, child-led), and authoritative (connection and compassion). Schools, like parents, should aim for an authoritative approach. Policies focused on connection, and with structure and proper boundaries, rather than punishment are likely to create a healthier and more conducive learning environment.

    Other Key Policies: Check policies on bullying, inclusivity, and special educational needs. These policies should align with your values and expectations for your child’s education and well-being.

    3. Examine School Governance

    Independent Governors: Ensure that the school has a board of governors with independent members who do not have a financial interest in the school. Independent governance helps ensure unbiased decision-making focused on the students’ best interests.

    Transparency: Look for transparency about who the governors are, their qualifications, and their roles. This information is usually found on the school’s website or in its governance documents.

    4. Check Staff Qualifications and Experience

    Head Teacher: Research the qualifications and experience of the head teacher. A head teacher with a strong educational background and extensive experience is crucial for the effective management of the school.

    Teaching Staff: Look into the qualifications and experience of the teaching staff. High levels of expertise and low staff turnover rates are indicators of a positive and stable learning environment.

    A good school website *should* have this information available online.

    5. Assess the School’s Online Presence

    Social Media Activity: Check the school’s social media accounts. An active and engaging social media presence suggests that the school is modern, communicative, and in touch with the current educational landscape. A dormant social media account may indicate that the school is out of touch and not keeping up with the times, or a school with zero business acumen.

    Website Updates: Regular updates to the school’s website can indicate that the school is proactive and keeps parents well-informed.

    6. Review Financial Health

    School Accounts: Examine the school’s accounts to ensure they are properly filed and show no financial red flags. Financial stability is crucial for the school’s long-term operation and its ability to invest in resources and facilities.

    Transparency in Finances: Look for transparency in how funds are allocated and spent. Schools should be open about their financial management practices.

    7. Interpret ISI and OFSTED Reports with Caution

    Critical Analysis: While ISI and OFSTED reports provide valuable insights, take them with a pinch of salt. These reports might not always reflect the day-to-day experience of students and parents.

    Supplement with Other Sources: Use these reports as one part of your research, supplementing them with other information and reviews.

    8. Investigate Online Reviews and Feedback

    Google Reviews: Check Google reviews for honest feedback from parents and students. Be wary of schools with consistently negative reviews.

    Social Media Groups: Join Facebook groups related to education and ask for feedback about the school. Private messages can provide candid insights from other parents.

    Listen to Both Positive and Negative Feedback: While some negative feedback is inevitable, pay attention to recurring themes. Trust your gut feeling—if something doesn’t seem right, investigate further.

    9. Look for Signs of Narcissistic Behaviour in Staff

    During Tours: When touring the school, observe the behaviour of the staff. Be cautious if you notice excessive talking, an inability to answer questions fully, or attempts to hide information. Notice interactions with children – are children approaching your guide respectfully, or treating them as an equal? These behaviours can be red flags indicating potential issues with the school’s leadership and transparency.

    10. Assess Student Compatibility

    Children’s Behaviour: Observe the children at the school during your tour. Do they seem happy and engaged? Are they similar to your child in terms of behaviour and interests? Ensuring your child fits in with the student body is extremely important for their social and emotional well-being.

    Social Environment: Consider whether the school’s social environment aligns with your child’s personality and needs. A supportive and inclusive environment can significantly enhance your child’s school experience.

    11. Don’t be desperate!

    If you are almost out of options for your child, please don’t think that you have to opt for what seems like the only school available – especially if you have a gut instinct that you are making a mistake. I cannot emphasise this enough! It’s happened to me on two occasions now, and I feel I’ve ruined my children’s education by not listening to gut instincts and then having to undo the damage later on!

    Conclusion

    Selecting the right independent school, whether specialist or mainstream, requires careful consideration and thorough research. By paying attention to these critical aspects—ranging from website quality and school policies to governance, staff qualifications, and online presence—you can make a more informed decision. Always trust your gut instincts and prioritise a school that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values. Making the right choice will ensure a positive and enriching educational experience for your child.

    EHCP Neuroplasticity Special Needs Education

    Starting school, SEN and retained reflexes: what you need to know

    SEN and retained reflexes

    SEN and retained reflexes

    Is your child starting school in September? It really creeps up quickly on us, and it’s always hard to know which setting is going to be best for our SEN children due to start mainstream primary schools.

    Sadly, an outstanding OFSTED report isn‘t necessarily an indication that a school is going to be a brilliant option.

    Having a happy child is KEY, and whatever it takes to get them to feel safe and supported is really important. A child who feels safe and secure will be motivated to learn.

    If you are concerned about your child, and they don’t have an EHCP, I would strongly recommend that you:

    1) apply for one yourself using the IPSEA templates, and

    2) make contact with the SENCo at your child’s new school and see if it’s possible to go in for a chat before the end of the summer term. They will more than likely really appreciate any additional information, and so will the Reception teacher. From person experience, SEN provision works really well if there’s really good two-way communication between parents and SENCos… and

    3) join an EHCP support group on Facebook for advice

    It may come as a bit of a surprise to know that in an average class of 30 Reception children, at least 25 will have retained reflexes. Not only this but at least 5/30 will have a reflex profile that means that they are not neurologically ready for school and will struggle with things like attention, sitting still, holding a pencil, behaving appropriately in groups and having the ability to socialise, etc.

    The good news is that there are so many activities we can be getting our Reception intake (or pre-school age) children to do in order to help them make the necessary brain connections to allow them to sit still, pay attention for 10 minutes, sit on a chair at school without slouching or slumping, have the stamina to get through the school day, grip a pencil, stand in a line, wait their turn, be respectful to other classmates and play socially and cooperatively – this goes for ALL children, whether you already have a diagnosis, a suspicion of “traits” or even you have no worries at all about your child.

    Of course, I could also tell everyone to book an appointment with me, but I know that people prefer to try things themselves first, so:

    • snow angel movements, slowly and rhythmically
    • use a skateboard to scoot around the floor, on tummy and on back
    • have a race to see how many cotton wool balls you and your child can move from one bowl to another within 30 seconds
    • do push ups against a wall
    • walk around the floor on your bottom
    • skip using a rope
    • find playgrounds with balance equipment and stepping stones (incidentally, it is a good sign when you visit a school with stepping stones and balance beams in the playground, as a clued up head knows that balance is central to learning
    • get your child to trace ”8”s in the air, crossing the midline
    • get your child to crawl – if you can get hold of a tube for them to crawl through to encourage it, even better
    • get your child to walk on stilts or use a pogo stick
    • plenty of trampolining
    • spend lots of time barefoot

    These are all wonderful ways to help primitive reflexes to integrate, and help a child prepare for school.

    Support at most (state) primary schools in the Horsham area tends to be pretty good for a wide range of needs, but there is definitely no harm in staying a few steps ahead of the local authority to ensure that your child is best supported. You might find the IPSEA website useful reading.

    Most of all, I want to let you know that it’s all going to be ok.