Choosing the right school for your child
Choosing the right school for your child can be an overwhelming decision! Whether your child is moving from kindergarten to primary school, or from primary school to secondary school, you can be overloaded with information and bombarded with different opinions from well-meaning family, friends and professionals. You know your child and their needs the best, so if you trust yourself, and do a little research, it doesn’t need to be a scary process.
Some factors to consider when looking at schools:
1. Understand your child’s needs and interests: Every child is unique, with individual strengths, interests and needs. Consider your child’s learning style, interests, talents and social needs.
2. Understand your needs and your family’s needs: Are there multiple siblings in your family? Is it important that they attend the same school? Is it important that they attend the local school or a specific school?
3. Research school types:
a. Government schools – your child will usually go to the government school closet to where you live or where you are “zoned” into.
b. Non-government schools – these can be private schools, independent or Catholic schools. They have their own enrolment process and costs.
c. Specialist schools – these schools specialise in subject, or specialise in teaching students with disability.
d. Distance education – these are programs for students whose circumstances prevent them from accessing mainstream schooling.
e. Home Schooling – where you take on responsibility for teaching your child. There are certain requirements if you choose to home school
There are also other flexible learning arrangements such as dual enrolment in which you can enrol your child in both a local school and a specialist school. You can contact the Department of Education and Training to find out more about your schooling options.
Guide to finding the right school
1. Consider location and logistics: Proximity of the school to home can significantly impact your daily routine. How might the daily travel and routine impact your child? What are the transport options? Is it important that the school provides transport?
2. School facilities, curriculum and environment: Look into the resources and facilities available in the school. What does the curriculum look like? Do they offer any special programs? What does the school’s approach to learning look like – class sizes, wellbeing support, classroom layout? Do they accept support from your external therapists? You can also use resources like the MySchool website which provides information on school profiles and performance data.
3. Visit schools and attend open days. Book a tour! Nothing compares with firsthand experience. Arrange a visit to potential schools and attend open days. This will let you meet the teachers and principal; observe the school environment and facilities; and provides an opportunity to ask all your amazing questions.
4. Consider the schools culture and values: Ensure the school’s values align with your family’s. Consider the schools mission statement; policies on discipline, home and student wellbeing; and the level of carer and community involvement.
Conclusion
Early intervention key workers, or therapy supports can support you to consider all your options. Therapists can offer guidance and support you to make informed decisions to navigate the education landscape.
There is no “one size fits all approach” to finding the right school for your child! By understanding your child’s needs, evaluating different school options, and experiencing the school environment firsthand, you can make an informed decision that sets your child on the path to academic, social and personal success. This is an exciting time and with a little preparation, you can trust yourself to make the best choice for your family.
About the author
Kaila is one of KEO’s dedicated Speech Pathologists. Kaila has spent the past 7 years working in early intervention, and has also supported children in rural community health programs where access to allied health services was limited. Her background includes working with kindergarten programs to help children prepare for primary schooling.
At KEO Care, Kaila loves collaborating with our amazing therapists. She enjoys the constant learning opportunities and the chance to grow her skills. Kaila takes pride in her role within our Early Intervention Program, where she uses a transdisciplinary approach to support children and families.
