Finding the right school for your child can be challenging, and I definitely wasn’t alone in feeling this way. When it was time to find a school for my son, I did a ton of research to make the best choice possible. As a parent, you want a school with excellent teachers, friendly students, easy access, and great facilities. But for my son, who still has some mobility issues after a car accident a few years ago, there was an additional factor to consider.
Websites Don’t Tell the Whole Story
We started by checking out the websites of some local schools, and they looked good on paper with solid OFSTED reports and promising teaching approaches. However, I recommend visiting in person, which we did by setting up appointments with the school heads. That’s when we realized that some schools had serious issues that needed addressing.
For instance, at the first school, everything seemed fine until we toured the classrooms. Three were on the second floor, and two were in temporary buildings that had been there for 20 years. My son had trouble with the stairs, and I worried about him managing them daily amid crowds of other kids.
The second school was an improvement, but it still had issues with the peg areas and access to the dining hall. While the head mentioned plans for improvements in the coming year, I still had my concerns. So, I kept looking online and found another school that was a bit farther away but seemed ideal. When we visited, it turned out to be perfect.
Improvements Are Happening
Over the past couple of years, this school had made significant upgrades. They understood my concerns right away and assured me their school complied with the Equality Act 2010, thanks to consultations with access audit specialists. My son had no trouble accessing any part of the school. They had ramps with railings, a flight of stairs, and even a lift!
The classrooms were more spacious than any others we had seen, with tables arranged to allow easy movement. The peg areas were roomy, and the corridors were clear. I felt confident that my son would be able to navigate the school easily and comfortably.
Peace of Mind at Last
Many children need schools that cater to their specific needs. Even though my son doesn’t have a major disability, it’s crucial for me to know he can get around without stress. Schools planning improvements now have to consider the needs of everyone, which is fantastic. I just wish the process could be faster so more schools could meet these standards.
Meeting a headteacher who truly understood my son’s needs was a wonderful relief. Never settle for less—there are fantastic schools with excellent facilities out there. It’s just a matter of finding them.