We all want the best for our children and choosing the school that they attend is no exception.

They will spend a great proportion of their time there so deciding on what is best can often be a daunting task.

How do you tell a good school from a bad one?

Unfortunately there is no simple answer to this question.

Firstly it depends on your own view on the importance of the quality of schools. Will your child’s academic achievements be determined predominantly by their inherent potential and upbringing or by their environment?

Superdads suggests the following steps when contemplating your child’s schooling:

• Sit down and discuss your thoughts on schooling with others involved in the decision. Do not assume that everyone thinks the same as you. Does everyone want the same thing or are there conflicting ideas?
• If you do not see eye-to-eye then allow a little time to digest and consider all views. Then discuss the subject again with the aim of prioritising all of the factors.
• Based on the agreed priorities you can now look at available schools and shortlist those that are appropriate. Find out more information about your shortlisted schools by contacting the council or schools.
• One of the key pieces of information can be the admission processes and policies as the catchment area may be key for oversubscribed schools.
• Information can also be obtained online. The primary source is the Department for Children, Schools and Families, which can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk. Amongst the information that can be found there is school league tables.
• Attend the school opening evenings to get a feel for the school and to talk to teachers.

The decision on the school for your precious ones can be an agonising one. Our advice is to gather information and make the best decision that you can based on it.

Once you have made your decision relax and take comfort in the knowledge that you will be there to support them through their schooldays.

Author: SuperDads

We’re here to make a difference. Superdads not only offers advice but we are her e to promote the importance of fatherhood. Many people are oblivious to the fact that Dads really do matter and this is something we’d like to put right.

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