Maggie Dent, educational consultant, author and parenting specialist, is a former teacher with plenty of experience of open days. “It’s a little bit like meeting someone on their Sunday best,” she says.

First and foremost, she says primary kids need to feel safe and secure. “Walk round the playground with them to see if they feel comfortable. Does the school feel welcoming, or is it just a busy hive of business?”

At secondary level, Dent wants to see inclusivity and a focus that looks beyond purely academic achievement. “Adolescents can feel very threatened; teachers need a sense of humour and be able to lighten up a kids’ world or they will be worn down and struggle.”

Parents should be made to feel welcome too. “The stronger the relationship with parents, the better the educational outcome. I want to see a sense of community.”

Education consultant and author, Kathy Walker, is set to release her new book, Ready Set Go, next month. It includes a section exploring how to best choose a school.

‘‘Parents should be careful about open days,” she warns. “They are trying to show a snapshot in a short period of time, but it’s also important to be realistic and recognise that schools will be on their very best behaviour.”

Walker says it’s a good idea to prepare a list of questions before you go. “It’s easy to get caught up in the glossy brochures and slick presentation. I’m not suggesting schools are dishonest but we all like to put a positive spin on things.”

Dr Jennifer Elsden-Clifton, a lecturer in the school of education at RMIT University and a parent of two, says often the most rewarding open days are led by the pupils themselves.

“Schools should utilise students to lead parent tours, talk about the school’s achievements and their own experience of learning in the classroom. Then you get a glimpse of what happens on a typical day, rather than a PR exercise. It’s much better to trust the students when making the decision.”