Open mornings are one of the best ways to get a real feel for a school. In a couple of hours, you can see classrooms in action, meet staff and pupils, and picture whether your child would be happy there. But with so much to take in, it is easy to come away without the answers you need. This guide explains how to prepare for a prep school open morning in Milton Keynes and which questions to ask.
Before the Open Morning
Know what matters to your family
Write down your priorities before you go. They might include class sizes, early years provision, wraparound care, sport, music or preparation for senior school. This will help you focus.
Do your research
Read the school’s website, prospectus and latest inspection report. This means you can use your time on the day to ask deeper questions.
Decide whether to take your child
For younger children, a personal tour at a quieter time may be better than a busy open morning. Many schools offer both.
Questions About Teaching and Learning
- How large are the classes in each year group?
- Which subjects are taught by specialist teachers, and from what age?
- How do you support children who find learning harder?
- How do you stretch children who are ready for more?
- How is reading taught in the early years? (See our guide on supporting your child’s reading at home.)
- How often will I hear about my child’s progress?
Questions About the Early Years
If your child will join nursery, pre-school or Reception, ask:
- What ages does the nursery take, and how do children move up through the rooms?
- How do you settle new children?
- How much time do children spend outdoors?
- Are government-funded hours accepted, and how are they applied?
- What is included in the fees, such as meals?
Our guide to choosing the right nursery in Milton Keynes has more early years questions.
Questions About Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
- How do you look after children’s wellbeing day to day?
- Who would my child talk to if they were worried?
- How do you handle friendship problems and unkind behaviour?
- How do you support children with additional needs?
Read more in our guide to what pastoral care is and why it matters.
Questions About Life Beyond the Classroom
- What clubs and extracurricular activities are available?
- What trips and visits do children go on?
- How often do children perform, compete or take on responsibilities?
- What are the grounds and outdoor spaces used for?
Questions About Practicalities
- What are the school day hours, and is wraparound care available?
- What is included in the fees, and what costs extra?
- Is there a holiday club?
- Where do families typically travel from?
Questions About Moving On at 11
- Where do pupils go when they leave?
- How do you prepare children for grammar school tests and independent school entrance exams?
- How do you help families choose the right senior school?
What to Look for Beyond the Answers
The answers matter, but so does the atmosphere. As you walk round, notice:
- whether children look happy, engaged and relaxed
- how staff and pupils speak to each other
- whether pupils talk proudly about their school
- how the Head and staff respond to your questions
Visiting Broughton Manor Prep
We welcome families to open days and personal tours at Broughton Manor Preparatory School in Milton Keynes. You will see our nursery, Pre-School, Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep classrooms, our grounds and spinney, and children learning in small classes with specialist teachers.
Our Registrar will be happy to answer your questions about admissions, fees, funded hours and wraparound care. Parents often tell us that Broughton Manor is “a welcoming and engaging school with passionate teachers and a close knit community feeling”. We hope you will see that for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your child. Older children often enjoy open mornings, while younger children may be happier on a quieter personal tour.
Visiting two to four schools usually gives you enough to compare without becoming overwhelming.
Many prep schools hold open events in the autumn and spring terms, and most also offer personal tours throughout the year.
Ask how the school will get to know your child and support their individual needs. The answer tells you a lot about class sizes and pastoral care.
