Things to consider
Once you’ve decided which setting you might be interested in, a visit is a good way to see what’s on offer and get a feel for each setting.
In some circumstances, a setting may have open evenings that you can go along to. Otherwise you can contact them to ask for a visit.
If you can’t find what you need, feel free to get in touch with us.
Tips for making the most of visits
Understand who you will meet
Educational settings are busy places and it is a good idea to ask who you will meet their and how much time they will be able to spend with you.
It would be a good idea to ask to see the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (Senco).
Decide whether to take your child
Think carefully about whether you want to take your child with you on the visit. It will depend on their age and what you want to discuss at the visit.
It might be helpful to discuss this when you call to make the appointment as the school might have some helpful ideas.
Decide if you want to go with someone else
Think carefully about whether you want to take your child with you on the visit. It will depend on their age and what you want to discuss at the visit.
It might be helpful to discuss this when you call to make the appointment as the setting might have some helpful ideas.
Consider having a tour during the day
Most settings won’t want you to look around on your own but will give you a guided tour.
You will get a better feel for the setting if you can do this in the learning hours when the children are there.
Be observant!
Look at how children and adults in the setting interact with each other and think about the feel of the seting.
Consider if it is bustling and noisy or calm and quiet – different environments suit different children and you know best what might suit your child.
Be prepared
All schools have to produce a school prospectus or brochure. These are often on the school’s website, or you can ask for a copy to read through this before you visit the school. These are useful to read through.
You could also look at:
- The school’s special educational needs policy
- Other policies, such as the behaviour, complaints or anti-bullying policy
- Ofsted reports – on the school’s website and at reports.ofsted.gov.uk ^
Reading through this information will give you an idea of what the setting is like and help you think of things you want to find out more about.
It will help if you make notes of things you think of that you want to ask, so that you make sure you cover as much as possible when you visit.
^ Ofsted reports always include information about how well schools make sure that all children make progress, including those with additional needs or disabilities
Ask the right questions
The sort of questions that parents of children with additional needs find useful might include:
The organisation of classes – will my child be in sets according to their ability and, if so, for what subjects?
What IT facilities are there? For example, are there enough computers for every child in the class?
How many pupils will be in my child’s class?
What enrichment activities are on offer? Are these available to all children?
What will the school do to make sure that all staff know about my child’s individual needs?
How does the school arrange extra support for children who need it?
How will the school involve me in planning for my child’s needs?
How will the school help the other children to understand my child’s needs?
If you are going to visit more than one setting, you might want to jot down some notes of what was said at each one to help you remember after the visits.
Get in touch with us
If you can't find what you need, feel free to get in touch with us. Our opening hours are:
- Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 3pm
- Friday from 9.30am to 2pm
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 3 working days.
Other sources of help and support:
Hertfordshire Local Offer
The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them.
Visit the Local Offer →
Contact
A charity for families with disabled children offering information and advice.
Visit Contact →
HPCI
An independent parent carer organisation ensuring family voices are heard.
Visit the HPCI →
IPSEA
Independent information, advice and support, with free guides, resources and template letters.
Visit IPSEA →