13. Relationships between students, parents and teaching staff
How are students at the school encouraged to openly express their views?
How are students consulted? What programs does the school have in place to encourage studentparticipation?
Does the school provide an Annual Report to parents – this is now compulsory for many government schools
How are children encouraged to support each other?
What is the bullying policy? Bul ying can thrive in schools where student concerns are ignored.
How does the principal ensure that he or she is approachable and accessible to the students?
How can parents assist in the school’s programs?
Does the school welcome parent concerns and discussion? Ask to see the procedure for resolving parental concerns.
14. Student Welfare and Wellbeing
Children have the right to feel safe and respected during their school years.
Explore the school’s focus – is it on discipline, nurturing of children and their happiness (also known as
pastoral care), or on skil and academic development, or behavioural management. Seek out the approach and balance that seems right for your child and your education goals.
You may also want to explore the school’s Student Wel being Policy, Student Code of Conduct, the Attendance Policy, Alternative Programs (for children with individual needs), how it handles Child Protection and Mental Health Promotion.
What happens if your child becomes il or is injured at school?
Does the school have a first aid or medical facilities and trained medical staff or trained first-aid providers?
If your child has specific health needs, such as an allergy, be sure to ask detailed questions to determine how the school will cope with these.
15. Facilities and Environment
Ensure the school’s facilities and environment are adequate, clean and in good repair
Check out the technology facilities and the policy for updating computer equipment, software, internet
access and technology-based teaching tools
Do you require a school with a before or after school care program?
Does the school have access to an oval for recess times, for sports?
Is the playground attractive, with appropriate equipment for children’s different developmental levels?
Is there sufficient shade, and seating around the playground?
Can the children visit the school library throughout the school day?
Are other supervised extra-curricular programs available at lunchtime?
Are there quiet play areas?
Is there sufficient space for more children to run and play safely?
16. Class Size And Structure
Satisfy yourself that the school policies are based on best educational philosophy and practice with a clearly articulated plan to provide for the progress of al students.
The number of children in a class is usual y determined by the policies of the relevant education department or the operating system of the school.
Smal classes are more likely to be found in private schools, with Catholic schools generally having larger class sizes than government schools.
Occasionally schools operate multi-age or composite classes. These may contain students from two or three grades.
In smal country schools the entire primary school may be in a single classroom.
This need not be a concern, as it offers opportunities for children to work at their own levels of ability and interest.
For a checklist summary of How to choose a school with confidence,
Assess your child’s personal qualities
Determine your education preferences and values
List your education goals for your child
Match your child and your preferences to the school
