How to find all schools near me
If you’re moving to a Redrow home, your first port of call when creating a new school checklist will be the helpful sales team at your development. They will know about most schools in the area and have received feedback from other customers, or friends and neighbours if they live nearby.
The local authority in the area will publish annually-updated details of all local state-funded schools on the admissions section of its website. There’s usually a separate section for each phase of education (eg. primary and secondary) along with information on admission criteria and how to apply (via council or school itself).
When you’re choosing a school, it’s important to visit. Most schools have open days - and always read the school’s most recent Ofsted reports, accessible via the school or government website. The GOV.UK website features its own school finder and is especially handy because it includes a direct link to Ofsted reports. Local authorities hold a list of school performance tables where you can check the academic record, but don’t forget to talk to other parents either by contacting the PTA or looking at parent reviews on the school’s website or social media. The Good Schools Guide website is also helpful.
How do I find out my school catchment area?
The catchment area is the geographical area that will decide whether your son or daughter can attend a certain school and is generally based on proximity. It can, however, change each year depending on the number of those applying, and there are other factors taken into consideration: other siblings already at the school, a child’s faith (if it’s a religious school), and any medical or social needs.
If you want to know how to find a private school, the Independent Schools Council lists all private schools with a full profile and contact details. Once you are interested in a school, you’ll need to contact it directly to arrange a visit. Ask questions about its suitability for your child, check its achievements record, and get information about fees.
If your child has special educational needs, ask the local authority for a list of SEN schools, and look at the Local Offer, which has information on education, health, and social care services available for children with SEN.
Moving house during the school year
Finding a place in the middle of the school year will depend on the number of vacancies - if any - in your chosen school, so it will help to create a list of all the schools you’d be happy to send your child/children to. Local authorities will have an up-to-date list so you can find out where places are available, and you can also check with any school office to find out about admissions and popularity to assess whether an application might be successful. Be aware that schools often have a different policy on joining in the middle of a school year, but the local council should have the criteria for each. You will need to apply (to the school or local authority) at least six weeks before your child is set to start at the new school.
Remember, however keen you are to get everything sorted and arranged, moving day can change, so it may be wise to keep your child enrolled in their current school until everything is certain.
How do you prepare for a new school?
Moving to a new school can be stressful, but doing your homework and preparing properly can make starting a new school easier – for children and parents. A good first day will help create a good first week and so on, so talk about other successful firsts with your children, so they can look positively towards this fresh start.
Talk about the new school, its plusses like, perhaps, clubs or sports teams they might want to join, the new friends they will make, while encouraging them to discuss concerns they have so you can address them.
Do a trial run to the school to put them at ease about getting there and, if you have new neighbours with children at the school, invite them over for a play date or informal get together so your child can make friends in advance and learn more about the school.
New school checklist
Preparing for a new school emotionally is vital, but so too is preparing practically. Make sure everything that’s needed is obtained well in advance and organised before the big day arrives.
Ensure sure you have a complete uniform - and it fits! - and PE kit (ask the school for a full checklist), and that you have bought it from the designated store where appropriate.
Invest in stationery: pencil case with pens, pencils, eraser, sharpeners and maths set, etc., as well as a rucksack or school bag, and ensure you have any textbooks needed.
You could also set up a dedicated work / study space at home, where your child will feel relaxed and comfortable, and enjoy doing their homework. In every Redrow home ultra-fast fibre to the premises (FTTP) comes as standard, so they’ll also find any online research a doddle.
We sought advice from a psychologist to help create a guide when moving house with children.
