Questions parents should ask when visiting a junior school

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Visiting in person gives you insights that no website or inspection report can fully capture. Knowing the right questions to ask when visiting a junior school helps you look beyond surface impressions and focus on what truly matters: your child’s happiness, confidence and long-term development.

If you are wondering what questions to ask when visiting a junior school, focus on four key areas: ethos, learning, wellbeing and daily routines.

Whether you are attending an open morning, a pupil-led tour or arranging an individual visit, this guide will help you approach the day with clarity and purpose.

First impressions: what do you notice in the first 10 minutes?

Before you even begin asking formal questions, take a moment to observe.

Do staff greet pupils by name? Do children seem relaxed and engaged? Is there warmth in the way teachers speak to one another? Atmosphere matters. As the BBC’s guidance on what to ask and look for when visiting a school explains, your instincts often tell you a great deal about whether a school feels right.

You might ask:

• How would you describe the ethos of the school?

• What values underpin daily life here?

• How do you help new pupils settle in quickly?

At a junior stage especially, children are still developing socially and emotionally. A calm, purposeful environment with visible kindness and mutual respect often signals strong foundations.

The learning experience: how are children supported and stretched?

Academic outcomes matter, but how children learn is just as important as what they learn.

During your visit, consider asking:

• How do you support children who need extra help?

• How do you stretch pupils who are ready for greater challenge?

• How do you monitor progress and communicate it to parents?

• How are children encouraged to become independent learners?

Look beyond headline results. The Good Schools Guide’s advice on school open days highlights the importance of understanding how schools track progress and respond if a child begins to struggle.

In a strong junior setting, you should see evidence of:

• Clear routines that support focus

• High expectations delivered with warmth

• Opportunities for discussion and collaboration

• Individual attention where needed

Smaller class sizes, structured feedback and strong teacher-pupil relationships make a measurable difference at this stage.

Pastoral care and wellbeing: how will my child be known?

Junior years are formative. Confidence, resilience and self-awareness are developing rapidly.

When thinking about junior school open day questions, pastoral care should be high on your list. Consider asking:

• Who is responsible for overseeing my child’s wellbeing?

• How are friendship issues handled?

• How do you support children who feel anxious?

• What is your approach to behaviour management?

Effective pastoral systems are usually visible. Staff should be able to explain clearly how they notice small changes in behaviour, how they communicate with families and how they intervene early if needed.

At QEH Junior School, strong values such as respect, resilience and kindness are embedded in everyday practice, and small class sizes help ensure that no boy is overlooked.

The practical day-to-day: routines, meals and wraparound care

Logistics may not feel as inspiring as curriculum or ethos, but they shape daily life for children and families.

Ask practical questions such as:

• What time does the school day start and finish?

• Is there breakfast provision?

• What happens after lessons end?

• What clubs are available?

• How are lunches organised?

• How are dietary needs managed?

At QEH Junior School, families benefit from extended day provision, a wide range of clubs and freshly prepared lunches. You can explore details about extended day, lunches and after-school clubs on the Junior School additional information page.

Understanding the rhythm of a typical day will help you picture how your child will feel from morning arrival to afternoon pick-up.

What to ask pupils during the tour

If your tour is pupil-led, use that opportunity well.

Children often provide the most honest insight into daily life. You might ask:

• What do you enjoy most about school?

• What happens if someone feels left out?

• What clubs do you take part in?

• What would you change if you could?

Observe how confidently they speak. Do they seem genuinely positive? Are their answers natural rather than rehearsed?

A relaxed, articulate pupil body often reflects a culture where children feel secure and valued.

Open mornings, stay and play and individual visits

Every March and October, QEH hosts a Junior School Open Morning where families can enjoy pupil led tours, hear from the Head and explore the breadth of extracurricular opportunities. There is also a Stay and Play event in March for boys aged 5 to 8 who are considering entry into Year 3 or Year 4, designed to provide a relaxed introduction to Junior School life.

In May, the school also hosts a Junior School Sports Open Evening at its Failand sports ground. This provides families with the opportunity to see the sporting environment and facilities that support physical education and team sport.

Families can also arrange an individual visit involving an informal meeting with a relevant Head and a tour guided by current pupils. Full details about open mornings, stay and play sessions, sports open evenings and arranging an individual visit can be found on the QEH Open Events and Visits page..

Taking the time to visit in person often provides clarity that online research alone cannot offer.

A simple checklist to take with you

When thinking about questions to ask when visiting a junior school, especially during an open morning or tour, you may find it helpful to keep this short checklist in mind:

• Does the school feel warm and purposeful?

• Are pupils engaged and respectful?

• Is learning visible and varied?

• Are values clearly articulated and lived?

• Is pastoral care explained clearly and confidently?

• Do routines support family life?

• Can I imagine my child thriving here?

Comparing your impressions with broader guidance such as the BBC’s school visit advice and The Good Schools Guide perspective can also help you evaluate your visit more objectively.

Frequently asked questions