A parent’s guide to enrolling their child in a new school

Enrolling your child in a different school can be a significant shift for both parents and the child. Whether it’s a Crèche, Preschool, Grade 1, or Grade 8, the experience can be intimidating and overwhelming. I recall the time when my spouse and I relocated to a new province with our 3-year-old son. It was a mix of novelty, distinctiveness, excitement, and apprehension. As the moment approached to enroll our son in school, we had to trust that he would receive the best care. Throughout this journey, there were both highs and lows, and I often found myself wishing for a “checklist” or a “map” to navigate the process. Consequently, I have compiled these steps to ensure a seamless process and a positive experience when enrolling your child in a new school.

1. Research the School:

   • Investigate the school’s reputation, academic performance, and overall atmosphere. Consider talking to current parents, checking online reviews, and attending open houses or orientation events.
   • Ensure that educators are qualified and SACE (South African Council for Educators) registered. As a qualified educator and parent, I have witnessed schools that had teachers who were not qualified nor SACE registered.“Section 21 of the South African Council for Educators Act, 2000, requires that

• • 1. every educator contemplated by the Act must register with the Council before appointment to a teaching post, and
    2. no person may be employed as an educator by an employer unless that person is registered with the Council.” (www.sace.org.za)

• • It is also important to ensure that the school (whether government school or private school) is registered with the Department of Education. Retrieve the school’s registration number and contact your provincial Department to verify its legitimacy (if you choose).
  • Inspect the school’s facilities thoroughly to ensure they meet your expectations. Have all your concerns regarding facilities, health, and safety been addressed? Review and comprehend the school’s enrollment forms before signing them, ensuring that your child is registered for the correct grade, courses, and language proficiency, among other details.

2. School Policies and Procedures:

   • Familiarize yourself with the school’s policies on attendance, discipline, dress code, and any other important rules. This information is typically available in the school prospectus or on the school’s website.
   • Make sure you are well-informed about the school fees. Numerous schools offer the flexibility of monthly payments, and if you opt for an annual payment, there might be a discount. If you have uncertainties about the school, do not hesitate to inquire whether your child can attend for a few days or a week at no cost to assess if the learning environment suits them.
   • Enquire about the school uniform. Many schools have a specific store where you can purchase the school uniform. Another option for thrifty parents is the school’s second-hand clothing “shop” (if it has one), or if the school has a Facebook page, there are sometimes listings for second-hand clothing of previous students.
   • Enquire about the school stationery. While some schools may provide stationery, others might have a specific list for each grade. It is crucial to ensure that you have your entire stationery ready on the first day of school.
   • Do enquire about the school’s Bullying policy. A well-defined bullying policy establishes accountability for both students and staff. Knowing that there are consequences for engaging in or tolerating bullying behavior reinforces a culture of responsibility and accountability within the school environment.

3. Curriculum and Academic Programs:

   • Understand the school’s curriculum, teaching methods, and any specialized academic programs they may offer. Ensure that the educational approach aligns with your child’s learning style and needs. Every child is an equal member of society. The Education White Paper 6 responded to the state of special needs and support services in education and training following the apartheid era. It identified two key issues: a minimal percentage of learners with disabilities were receiving specialized education and support, often based on racial criteria, and the education system had generally failed to cater to the diverse needs of learners. This resulted in many learners with disabilities either being involuntarily mainstreamed or not attending school at all. At that time, an estimated 280,000 children with disabilities were out of school. To address these challenges, the recommendation was to transition to an inclusive system where all learners, regardless of their individual needs, could access education and training. This shift aimed to enable every child, including those with disabilities, to “develop and extend their potential and participate as equal members of society.” (See Education White Paper 6)
   • Enquire about textbooks (if applicable) and the costs of these. It is important to remember that these should be purchased in advance before the start of the academic year. These can also be purchased second hand from previous students or online.

4. Extracurricular Activities:
   

   Explore the extracurricular activities available, such as sports, clubs, and arts programs. A well-rounded set of activities can contribute to your child’s social and personal development.

5. Communication Channels:
   

   Learn about the school’s communication channels, including how they update parents on academic progress, events, and any issues that may arise. This may involve newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, homework diaries, or online platforms.

6. Health and Safety:
   

   Understand the school’s health and safety protocols. This includes information on how emergencies are handled, whether teachers have had First Aid training, and any health-related policies such as vaccinations.

7. Parental Involvement:
   

   Check if the school encourages parental involvement and if there are opportunities for you to participate in school activities, committees, or volunteer programs.

8. School Schedule and Calendar:
   

   Review the school calendar, including important dates for holidays, term breaks, and school events. Familiarize yourself with the daily schedule, including start and end times, to ensure a smooth transition.

9. Transportation:
   

   If your child will be utilizing school transportation, familiarize yourself with the routes, schedules, and safety protocols. In the case of dropping off or picking up your child personally, acquaint yourself with the relevant procedures. Drawing from personal experience, once you have safely dropped off your child—whether outside the school gate for an older child or accompanied to the gate with your younger one—please make it a point to depart promptly. It is important not to monopolize parking spaces for extended periods, especially if it is for texting or calling a friend. Let us be considerate of other parents and learners.

10. Meet Teachers and Staff:
    

    Attend any parent-teacher meetings, orientations, or meet-the-teacher events to establish a connection with your child’s educators and understand their teaching approach.

11. Prepare Your Child:
    

    Talk to your child about the upcoming change, address any concerns they may have, and emphasize the positive aspects of the new school. Consider arranging a visit to the school before the official start date.

By thoroughly researching and understanding these aspects, parents can make informed decisions and help their child adapt to the new school environment more effectively.

References:

South African Council for Educators (SACE)

https://www.sace.org.za/pages/registration#:~:text=Introduction,is%20registered%20with%20the%20Council   [Accessed 18 January 2024]