When I need to start to look for a school?

Question

I'm from Poland and I don't know UK educational system from my experience My son will be 2 in Oct, I'd like him to start as soon as possible. How should I check the school (I know about ofsted reports, are they trustworthy)? Could smb explain me what types of schools there are in the UK, what kind of exams and so on? Cheers

Answer 1

ofsted is always trustworthy  and he wont need school till he is at least 3

Answer 2

try league tables:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/712...

schools include:

-private: fee paying

-faith schools: catholic, jewish etc

-state schools: normal, non paying

exams are taken at age 7 and 11 in state primary schools in maths english and science. pupils are awarded levels and are compared with others within the school and nationwide. schools are also compared in this way.

hope that helps.

Answer 3

You should be able to register your son for Nursery education in September at the Nursery of your choice - he wont be able to start until he turns 3.  In some schools he will start the January after his 3rd birthday, but unfortunately some wont start him until the September after his 3rd birthday.

You could send him to a pre-school/private nursery.  Go and speak to them and you might find that there may be some help towards the cost of your son attending.  They can be VERY expensive.

Ofsted reports and league tables are probably the only 'statistical' way for parents to compare schools.  The best way is really to talk to parents and find out what they think of the schools, visit the schools, have a look round and talk to the staff.  I think it is important for children to attend a local school (if possible) so they can develop friendships with the local children/neighbours.

Exams  -  

Nursery and Reception children (3-5) are observed in their play and these observations are used to make assessments on the child's achievements - officially recorded for reception children.

Y1 (5-6yrs)- no official tests.

Y2 (6 - 7yrs)  SATs 'tests'.  Children are assessed on English Maths and Science.

Y3 (7-8)

Y4 (8-9)        No official exams - but most schools do SATS

Y5 (9-10)

Y6 (10-11)  SATS - English, maths,science.

Answer 4

Children start primary school on the September after their 4th birthday. They can start pre- school at 2 years 9 months.

Ring your local council, look on the net or in your local library for details of schools, nurseries and pre schools.Ofsted are reliable but a school may get a good report but be in a ,bad, area where the children misbehave.  

Answer 5

children start school at 5. but you can put them in nursery/pre-school much younger the state pays for them to attend 5 sessions a week (usually either morning or afternoon) at preschool or nursery from the age of 3 but you can pay for them to go to a private one earlier. there may be a waiting list for popular nurseries so put your sons name down as soon as possible, i put my sons name down when he was a few months old!!!