School-visit checklist
A visit tells you more than any brochure. Take this list with you, in person or on a video tour, and note the answers for each school so you can compare them side by side.
Before the visit
Questions to ask
| Area | What to ask or look for |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Which authority licenses or inspects the setting, and can you see the latest report? |
| Staff | Adult-to-child ratio in your child's class, staff qualifications and how long teachers usually stay |
| Language | Language used in class, for reports and for parent meetings; support for children new to that language |
| Settling in | How the first weeks work for a child arriving from another country, including mid-year joiners |
| Daily routine | Outdoor time, rest, meals and how the day balances play and structured learning |
| Fees | What tuition includes, which fees are refundable, and notice periods if you are posted elsewhere |
| Next step | Which primary schools children usually move on to |
- Can I do the checklist on a virtual tour?
- Yes. Ask the school to show the classroom, outdoor area and toilets on camera, and to send the inspection report and fee schedule in writing.