Choosing the right school for your child is important because their future is riding on the quality relationships and learning opportunities and outcomes that the school environment provides. We suggest that you visit local schools in your area at least 3-6 months before your child turns five. Make an appointment to speak to the principal or head of the junior classes. This way you can get a feel for the school and what is important to them. It will allow you to decide whether this will be what would suit your child.
Don't be afraid to ask questions that relate specifically to your child's needs. You will soon gauge by the responses and time taken to discuss your concerns and needs whether what you value will be acknowledged and upheld.
Ask to tour the school and visit the New Entrant/Transition/Reception/Year 0 (Y0)class in the school and observe for a while. Trust your instincts about where your child would be in this room and how they would behave and what they might learn. If possible do this first without your child so that you are focussed in what you are observing without distractions.
Seek opinions from friends, neighbours and relatives who have children who attend or who have very recently attended the schools you are interested in.
Read any information provided for you by the school. Check out the last few Education Review Office (ERO) reports to understand how well the school is managed and providing for children at http://www.ero.govt.nz/ (see link under Helpful sites on the sidebar)
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