What to look for on a school tour – the Early Years edition

When your child is two, you’ll be thinking about where they will start school.

Choosing a school is a big decision, and school tours play an important role in the decision-making process.

In this guide, we recommend things to look for and questions to ask when you visit. For this article, we’ll use the term Early Years to apply to students aged 2 years and 8 months to 6 years old.   Classrooms Our favourite Early Years departments are truly magical places! Cosy reading nooks, building blocks, dress up boxes, mud kitchens, crafting corners… Play and exploration are central to how young children learn. To support this, teachers need to be very intentional about how they set up their class. If you can, try to have your tour while the students are learning so you can see the classrooms in action. What to look for: - Rooms that comfortably accommodate the number of staff and students using them. - Child-sized furniture and age-appropriate toilet facilities. - Access to outdoor spaces, perfect for messy or more physical activities to be set up. - Shared spaces between classes for small group learning. - Indoor and outdoor space to run, jump and develop gross motor skills. - Quiet places for focused activities. What to ask: - What’s the maximum number of students per class? - How do the children use the different spaces? - Where do children play? - Where do children eat?

Learning Approach Dubai schools follow a range of curricula and educational philosophies. In the Early Years, many combine play-based learning with more structured teaching, although the balance and approach will vary between schools. Children should have plenty of opportunities to explore real objects and hands-on learning materials that help them understand foundational concepts. What to look for: - What materials are in the classroom for learning i.e. reading books, art supplies, counting materials, construction, role-play? - Does the school have a particular philosophy about learning materials, i.e. prioritising natural materials, hands-on exploration or technology? - Is there student work on display? - Are children using screens, iPads, or other devices? What to ask: - What curriculum does the school follow? - What is the balance of direct instruction and play? - Do you follow specific programmes for maths, phonics or other foundational skills? - Do you have homework? - What provision is there for children who might need a little extra support? - How is technology used in the classroom? - What behaviour management strategies are in place? - How is progress measured and shared with parents? - Are any additional languages taught and how are these incorporated into the school day? Staffing Of all the things you’ll see on your school tour, it is likely the teachers who will have the most impact on your child’s education. Early Years classes will typically have a classroom teacher and an assistant. But there will be a host of other people supporting your child’s education. A good school tour will give you the opportunity to meet different members of staff. This helps to give different perspectives on school life, and allows you to ask more specific questions. What to look for: - Do the staff seem professional, knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about their school? - How do they interact with the children, parents, and other staff? - Do children seem sufficiently supervised? - How do teachers respond to different behaviour and emotional needs? What to ask: - What training and experience do your Early Years teachers have? - How many staff are assigned to each classroom? - Are additional support staff available, such as a school nurse, counsellor or language  specialist? - What is staff retention like? - How do parents communicate with teachers — through an app, email or conversations at pick-up and drop-off? - What opportunities and expectations are there for parents to get involved?

Other spaces For most of the school day, young children typically stay in their own classrooms and shared Early Years spaces. During the week, children will likely have a number of specialist lessons. These might take place in the classroom or in dedicated spaces for music, art, Arabic, PE, swimming and library sessions. Children may also use different areas of the school for lunch, playtime or after-school activities. You should be shown these places on your tour. What to look for: - What provision is there for children to try new things and learn new skills?   - How well resourced are different learning spaces? - How suitable is the space for young children? What to ask: - What special lessons are there on the weekly schedule? - Who teaches specialist lessons? - Where do they take place? Routines Establishing routines is a crucial part of Early Years learning. They support a sense of security and foster independence. Routines are important for families to understand too, as they will need to ensure school fits in with existing responsibilities and commitments. What to look for: - Are classrooms organised, with clear routines and designated places for children's belongings? - What parking is available in and around the school? Is this free or paid? - Where do the children eat? Are school snacks and/or lunches available? - What are the children wearing? Do the uniforms look comfortable and of good quality? What to ask: - How does the school support children to settle in when they join the school? - When does the school day start and finish? How does this change for different grades? - What are pick-up and drop-off procedures? - Is there a bus service to your neighbourhood? - Is there extended childcare available, and is this free of charge or for a fee? - What before and after school activities are available? - How many eating breaks do children get each day and where do they eat? - Can they bring a packed lunch? Can they order food onsite? Will any special dietary requirements be catered for?

School culture and identity Of all the schools we’ve visited across Dubai, no two feel the same. The schools that make the strongest impression often have a clear sense of who they are and what they value. Some schools have a specific focus on sustainability, entrepreneurship, languages, technology, sport, or performing arts. Others celebrate culture, heritage, or internationalism as a central part of their identity. If you were drawn to a school because of something you saw on their website, ask yourself as you walk around whether this is evident. What to look for: - Does the school have special facilities or programmes beyond the normal curriculum? - Does the school project a certain identity through design, uniform or language? - What’s the ethnic, cultural and linguistic mix of the school? - What’s the energy in the classrooms, hallways and reception areas? - How do staff speak about the school and what do they emphasise about it? What to ask? - What do you think your school does particularly well? - What kind of child or family will thrive in your school? - Are you a selective school? What support is there for learners with different learning needs? - How does the school put its values into practice? - How does the school respond when a child is struggling, or when a problem arises? - How does the school celebrate children's achievements and progress?

Final thoughts Every school is different, so we encourage you to visit at least two before making a decision. We have worked with so many families who like the first school they visit, and then change their minds completely when they visit a second school. Before scheduling a tour, you have probably established whether the school meets practical requirements, such as budget, location and curriculum. What matters most on a school tour is often down to feelings. - Does the school feel inviting? Inspiring? Organised? - Does the approach to learning resonate with the education you want for your child? - Do you feel reassured that your child will be safe, supported and happy in the learning environment you’ve seen? If your answers are positive, congratulations! You may have found a great school for your child!

Still deciding which schools to visit? Speak to us at Navigate.Ed to find the options that best suit your child and family.