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- Preparing for Your Child’s First School Visit: A Parent’s Guide

Preparing for Your Child’s First School Visit: A Parent’s Guide
There is nothing quite like visiting a school in person to truly understand its spirit, values, and community. It also provides the opportunity to meet the people, see learning in action and ask questions. Together this offers something far more meaningful.
Whether you are attending one of our Open Mornings or joining a midweek tour, your child’s first visit to Grimsdell is an exciting milestone. It’s an opportunity to explore the environment where they may spend some of their earliest and most formative years.
Why a School Visit Matters
A school visit helps families experience:
- Our grounds and facilities, designed to inspire creativity, confidence, and curiosity.
- A chance to meet the Head, Mr Kevin Dobson, and hear about our vision for early years education.
- Meaningful interactions with staff and pupils, who bring the values of Grimsdell to life every day.
Nothing compares to seeing how our learning spaces support children, how our staff engage with pupils, and how the atmosphere of the school feels when you walk through the doors.
Meeting the People Who Make Grimsdell Special
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to meet a range of staff member including teachers, classroom assistants, and pastoral leader, who will be happy to answer any individual questions you may have. Each brings their own perspective and experiences, giving you a rounded understanding of daily life at Grimsdell.
Families often tell us that these conversations are the highlight of their visit. Hearing multiple viewpoints helps paint a complete and authentic picture of the school.
Experiencing the Atmosphere First-Hand
A school is more than classrooms and playgrounds; it is a community. Visiting in person allows you to:
- Observe how children learn, play, and support one another
- See our facilities in action and understand how they are used to enrich learning
- Get a feel for the warmth and friendly environment
At Grimsdell, we believe that nothing captures our culture better than coming to see it for yourself.
Laying the Foundations for Their Future
A first visit also begins your child’s journey toward a seamless transition into the Mill Hill Schools Foundation. Understanding the environment, routines, and values early on gives children, and their parents. a sense of familiarity, reassurance, and excitement about what lies ahead.
What Parents Say
We are always grateful to families who share their experiences of visiting Grimsdell. One parent from our September 2025 Open Morning told us:
“Our daughter started off quite reserved on the open morning, however one of the lovely teachers was brilliant with her—so patient—and our daughter soon started to come out of her shell. If she is a reflection of all of the teaching staff throughout the Mill Hill School then this shows why your schools are such an incredible place for our children.”
Feedback like this reminds us how important these first interactions are in helping families feel confident and excited about their child’s potential future with us.









