If you’re currently considering schools for your child, you might be wondering what to look out for at open days. Many parents will start with academic results, and whilst this is important, there are lots of other factors that go into making a school a great fit for your child. Making sure your child is happy in the environment, will be stimulated, and offered the right support will help to ensure that they flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. Read on for a useful guide to ensuring your child’s success.
The power of top notch facilities
Visiting a potential new school is crucial for seeing the facilities on offer. From green spaces for outdoor learning, to state-of-the-art science laboratories, and IT suites equipped with the latest technology, a school’s facilities can create a stimulating environment for pupils. This is especially important for young children, as environment can directly shape their development. Curiosity, engagement, and a life-long love of learning are fostered when children feel safe, secure, and inspired in their surroundings.
Set in eight acres of leafy grounds, St. Aubyn’s School in Woodford Green prides itself on its outstanding facilities. The co-educational, independent, preparatory school offers a wide variety of engaging learning environments for children – from a spacious art and design technology studio to three all weather pitches, and a performing arts centre. The School’s Head Louis Taylor says: “What I love to see is each pupil engage in trying new passions. Whether they are picking up a new instrument, analysing soil samples from around the school grounds, expressing themselves through drama, dance or art, or becoming a reliable team member in our vast sports curriculum. The children are never disheartened and are always encouraged; to push past their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.”
Even buildings with lots of natural light can have a profound impact on overall children’s happiness and concentration – so don’t underestimate the importance of the learning environments offered by a potential school.
The importance of a nurturing environment
A supportive and inclusive environment plays a key role in shaping a child’s educational experience and can make a big difference in the early years. Once you’ve explored a potential school’s facilities, make sure you speak to teachers and pupils to find out what the overall atmosphere is like. When children enjoy going to school, feel valued, respected, and happy, they have the confidence to take risks, and push themselves academically.
A solid pastoral care offering will include a focus on mental health, anti-bullying initiatives, teacher and peer support programmes, and a wide breadth of extracurricular opportunities. A child-centered approach that allows young people to thrive socially and emotionally, will ensure that academic success follows. The nurturing school environment that this creates will equip children with the skills and confidence to navigate all of life’s challenges.
Why class sizes matter
Class sizes are particularly important for children in the early years. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to offer more personalised support, which can make a huge difference to young children’s confidence. When teachers work with smaller groups of pupils, they can identify learning gaps, tailoring the content to individual strengths and weaknesses. With fewer distractions, children are also often more engaged in their learning.
At St. Aubyn’s, children begin their school journey by working at their own pace. Small class sizes allow children to identify their passions, develop creativity and critical thinking, learn problem solving skills, and build a strong foundation from which to grow. The School’s Head Louis Taylor says: “With small class sizes and nurturing support from our teaching team, we build strong foundations for young learners to thrive. We are very much about that dual path here, where academic excellence sits alongside the happiness of our pupils. You don’t get one without the other, as our school motto says, Bravely, Faithfully and Happily we move towards progress in so many different areas.”
The role of inspirational teachers
Teachers who are passionate and dedicated can make a lasting impact, especially in children’s formative years. A school’s success can hinge on the quality of its teaching staff, and the culture that leadership fosters. Together, teachers and school leaders can create an environment where pupils feel safe, encouraged, and motivated to succeed.
Strong relationships are at the core of the culture at St. Aubyn’s. Communication between teachers, pupils, and parents is what makes the school community thrive. The School’s Head Louis Taylor says: “When I first joined St. Aubyn’s as Head, what struck me most was the incredible sense of community. It’s a place where everyone, regardless of age, background, or belief, genuinely learns from one another. That spirit of inclusion stays true to the school’s 140-year heritage while encouraging us to grow and innovate. We’ve worked on that as time has gone on, with increased pupil school council representation and the parent forum. Families who are part of our community contribute to, support, and enhance its caring and constructive atmosphere.”
Final thoughts
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Feeling happy, secure, and inspired, not only supports children’s academic progress but also nurtures their personal growth and well-being. High-quality facilities, small class sizes, and a nurturing ethos are the secret ingredients for this success. By considering these key factors, you can ensure that your child receives the best possible education and start in life.
This is a sponsored post created in collaboration with St. Aubyn’s School, a co-educational, independent, preparatory school, situated in Woodford Green for pupils aged between 3 and 13.
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