Taking the long view
There is no doubt that choosing a school for your child – and especially the process of changing school – can quickly become pressured, stressful and difficult. Hopefully, the advice in this book helps to make the process a little easier but, as parents, we can sometimes end up too involved; although easy to say, it is the time to step back and remember the bigger picture.
Over my years as an education editor, I read a lot of advice from Headteachers. One of the best was a piece written by Peter Tait, who was Headmaster of Sherborne Preparatory School in Dorset for 17 years. He wrote an article for Attain entitled Ten Observations for Parents 10 and it helps put everything discussed in this book into perspective:
1. Don't be in such a hurry.
It does not help to push children before they are emotionally and physically ready. They will develop at different stages, so...
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Finally! A guide that helps parents cut through the branding, shiny PR and glitz, and focuses unapologetically on what should be at the heart of every school choice: a child's happiness.
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Matthew's new and approachable parent guide to choosing a school is spot on. Naturally, the first thing I looked at was his commentary about Heads. Sage, sensible and savvy advice abounds, as does the caveats and cautions about over glossy marketing spin that schools pump out. The book is really well written, entirely from the perspective of supporting parents. It's also a gentle swipe at some of the nonsense schools promote and how to look past it. Parents, also take heed – there are really good pointers about how to be a great parent in your relationship with the school. Unglossed, direct and delivered with humour, Matthew's book helps make things easier for everyone, and in that way, your child has a better chance of being happy and thriving. Remember, it's a two-way relationship, you're not buying a washing machine.
