It can be daunting to find the right school for your child. This is a major decision that will impact your child's development over the next 7 to 8 years. How do you make this decision?

First, make a list. Most parents will base their shortlist around the radius of their home. Some parents will have a choice and some not in selecting full-time day school, these questions will help you find the best schools in your area.

SOURCE:GOOGLE

1. The admission criteria are important. You apply, and then you get rejected. The admission criteria for schools are more complicated than that. It is worth reading the rules before applying. 

2. You can find out how far it is from your home by drawing a circle on a piece of the map software. However, you should also consider how easily the school is accessible. A straight line of 3 miles may not be the same as a straight line 5 miles down a country road. 

3. Consider the location of public transport around the school. If you rely on public transport to take your children to school, be sure to check the details. Is there a nearby bus stop, tram stop, or tube station? If you're driving, can you park your car near the station? 

4. It offers secondary schools – You may already know what secondary schools it provides, or you might not have considered it yet. However, it is crucial that you think about secondary schools when you start looking for schools in your area. Your children will be friends with other kids and will likely want to continue their friendships at secondary school.

5. What is the school's OFSTED Rating? – OFSTED, a standardized report on the UK School's operations, is the most important indicator of a school’s quality and abilities.

6. Is there a school catering service? Will your child be bringing food home or using the school's kitchen? If the former, ensure that the food is good quality and your child is getting the nutrition they need.

7. How big are the classes? This is an important consideration when looking for local schools for your child. Too small can lead to a lack of teaching and too big can cause confusion. This is an individual choice, but it should be taken into consideration.

8. What clubs are available after school – If your child needs before or after school care or wants to participate in after-school sports, you should consider their availability and quality. It is fine to work until 5.00 pm. If there is an after-school facility or school transport, you can continue.

When you are looking for local schools, make sure to create a list. Next, choose your criteria from the recommendations of others and then score them individually. It will be easy to find a school close to your home for your child.