Parent support

Being school ready isn't about knowing how to read or write before starting, it's about taking steps towards being independent, and understanding that they're going to be with a lot of other children so sharing and taking turns is important.

Children need to be able to use the toilet independently (unless there is a medical issue, in which case do get in touch). 

In addition to this, establishing those all important routines, reading together, sharing the videos on this site and embrace the opportunitites to visit the school at a stay and play session (details coming soon) will all help to build the excitment and set great foundations for school life. Remember to encourage your child to model their uniform - practising with coats and shoes regularly is also a great help.

We would also encourage you to share these simple behaviour expectations with your child:

Our school rules are "ready, respectful, safe" and we use these with the children from day one. They work well at home, too!

Following simple instructions, such as "get your coat", "come and sit down". You may not need these to be followed quickly at home, but in a busy classroom, we can't keep asking individual children over again!

"No" means "no"! We use positive behaviour strategies with the children, so when we say "no" it's usually for safety reasons so we need children to understand that "no" doesn't mean "maybe" or "oh, go on then"!

"Kind hands and feet": we don't tolerate children being physical with others, especially biting. Young children do lash out when they are feeling frustrated or can't make themselves undestood, but please back us up by not allowing this at home, and sharing our disappointment if they do this at school. 

We know what a huge event your child starting school can be. Seeing that tiny person standing there in their little school uniform is both exciting and nerve wracking, but we can assure you that your child will receive the best possible care and primary education with us. We positively encourage active involvement from parents and we are very keen to engage with you from the outset in supporting your child’s education and us as a school. Of course, nobody knows your child better than you do, so an essential part of our practice is working together with parents, sharing information on each child's progress and learning. We are very much a partnership, with a common interest in seeing your child succeed.

Top tips:

• Keep your mind busy during your child's settle session - embrace the free time to be productive or have a catch-up with a friend!

• Note it can be tiring for little ones when they start school. Allow time for them to rest and relax after pick-up. Sometimes they can be more difficult at home because they are so tired. Maintain routines to help them adjust.

• Don't panic if your child doesn't want to talk about their day at pick-up -  set aside a time to hear about their day that isn’t immediately after and you will be surprised how much more you will hear. Some children will never say very much - every child is different!

• If you have any concerns, get in touch - we are here to help!

Q. What if my child has big emotions at drop-off?

A. Some children cry occasionally, some every day! We know that the best way to get over this is with the distraction of all the exciting things there are to do at school. It can be hard to leave your child when they are upset, but we will give them lots of care. We will let you know how their day goes to reassure you that they do settle happliy.

Q. My child doesn’t know anyone at the school - how will they make friends?

A. Children generally make friends very quickly, but are also happy to play with almost anyone when they are little. Part of our role is to help them develop social skills so we spend a lot of time encouraging good play and mixing with each other. We encourage the children to play with a whole range of their classmates: having a "best friend" isn't always helpful if they fall out or if the friend is off school for any reason.

Q. How will you support any special educational needs?

A. This varies on an individual basis, as no two children are the same. Sometimes we know about special needs before a child joins us, so will have plans in place. Sometimes the needs emerge as the child progresses through the school. Our SENCo, Miss Yarwood, and our Assistant SENCo, Mrs Bennett, will work with you and the teaching staff to put plans in place if they are needed. It's important to recognise that very few children ever get 1:1 support - it's not good for most childen to become reliant on one person.

Q. What will my child be learning in Reception?

A. A lot! They will tell you that they've played all day, but there's so much learning going on. We have a big focus on phonics, and the children will learn new sounds rapidly.

Q. Where can I find out more about Early Years curriculum?

A. Our website has a page for reception - go to Children - Class pages - Reception. At the moment it reflects the current reception class, but will  change over ready for you and have the 2026/27 curriculum available.

Q. Do you run wraparound care?

A. Yes, this is provided by a company called Spring Meadows, and is held in The Hub - a building at the front of our site. Breakfast club opens at 7:45am, and after school club runs until 6:00pm. You book directly with Spring Meadows.

Q. What counts as good attendance?

Most children should be aiming for 96% attendance. If attendance drops below 90%, this is classed as "persistent absentee", and could trigger intervention. It's easier to get to this level than you think - it's just 19 days off in a year.

Q. What happens if we are late to school?

A. You will need to go the main office to have your child signed in. Arrivals after 9:00 am count as an absence.

Q. What if my child is ill?

Children with mild coughs and colds can be in school. If they have a temperature they should stay at home. If they are being sick/have diarrhoea they must stay at home for 48 hours after the last time they were sick. Absence should be reported by calling the school office (01992 416220) and leaving a message on the absence line. If you don't let us know your child is poorly, we will call you!

Q. Can I take my child out of school for a holiday?

Now that your child is in school they should not be taken out for holidays, even in reception. Every day they miss, they are missing important learning - for example in phonics they could miss learning several new sounds - and this is not easy to catch up.