Questions you might ask parents
Use selectively and with care. These are only suggestions.
Does it make any difference to you and your child that this is a Church of England school?
Have you ever heard of the school’s Christian vision? Is it true of the school?
Has the school ever helped you through challenges or difficulties?
Does the school make it easy for your child to learn things? (SIAMS can’t ask about the content of the curriculum, or outcomes for pupils, but can ask general questions about the way the vision influences a child’s overall learning experience – parents often talk about school trips and after-school clubs here – if they don’t, I ask more explicitly).
Does your child ever tell you about worship? Have you ever attended worship? Does the school work with the local church?
Do pupils behave well? Does the school treat people fairly?
Does your child learn about justice and injustice? Does the school help your child to take action to make the world a better place?
Does your child ever talk about RE? Do teachers talk about it at parents’ evening? Is there much about it in your child’s end of year report? Do you know if your child is doing well in RE?
These are conversation starters. Different contexts require different questions (e.g. does this school welcome migrants? - does this school make Muslims feel welcome? - is there any racial prejudice at this school? – does this school teach your child about drugs and gangs?).