The Power of Open Days: Finding the Right School for Your Child
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make – and for parents of autistic children, that decision can feel even more complex. Beyond league tables, Ofsted reports, and glossy websites, what truly matters is how your child will feel in that environment. Will they feel safe? Understood? Able to thrive? That’s why there’s no substitute for visiting in person.
Open days and school visits offer families a vital opportunity to experience a school as it really is. Some things you can only gauge by being there – like the atmosphere in classrooms, the way teachers interact with pupils, and the overall energy of the school. You’ll quickly pick up on whether children are engaged, whether staff seem nurturing and attentive, and whether the environment feels calm and supportive or overstimulating and unsettled.
Every autistic child is unique. Visiting a school allows parents to observe how routines are structured, how classrooms are set up, and how sensory needs are supported. It’s also a chance to ask specific questions about specialist provisions, staff training, and the approaches used to support social development and emotional well-being. This first-hand experience gives families the information they need to make a confident, informed decision.
No two children are the same – and what’s right for one may not be right for another. When visiting, you can consider factors like class sizes, how learning spaces are arranged, and whether the school feels like the right physical and emotional fit for your child.
One of the most important factors in your child’s school experience is the relationships they will form with staff. Open days provide a valuable opportunity to meet the headteacher, speak to staff, and ask the questions that matter most to your family. Their answers can give you real insight into the school’s ethos and values – and you may even have the chance to talk with other parents about their experiences.
Visiting a school is more than a step in the admissions process – it’s a powerful way to understand whether it’s the kind of place where your child will feel happy, accepted, and ready to learn. A school might look perfect on paper, but only by stepping inside can you truly know if it’s the right fit.
At Options Autism, we hold regular open days at our schools across the UK, and we warmly encourage families to come and see for themselves.
🔎 Find a school near you: www.optionsautism.co.uk/school-finder
🎧 Listen to Autism Unpacked: Our podcast covers a wide range of topics, including practical advice for parents navigating school choices.