Ladybirds 24/25

Reception New Starters September 2024

A warm welcome to all families starting with us in September. It's always exciting to meet new families and meet the children that will be part of our new Ladybirds class.

In order to provide the very best start to school, we operate a staggered induction to school, which we follow for the first two weeks of September. We have an intake of 45 young children into one room, which although is a super environment for them to learn and play in through their year with us, is difficult to provide a quality start to school with the level of care and attention to children's needs if all of the children start at once. Some of the children, when they start school are almost 5 years old, and we have some who only a few weeks ago were still 3. Many children are pleased to see friends from their nursery, however we have a significant number who are the only one coming from their pre school setting, and don't know anyone. Some children walk in confidently, whereas some require adult support one-to-one to settle. This gradual start is best practice, and allows us to ensure that every child has the attention they deserve so that they see school as a positive and exciting place to be. 

Being part of a child's first year of school is always a privilege our experienced team are looking forward to meeting you all during our transition events in June and July. 

I look forward to meeting you soon and welcoming you to the Kingsmead family.

Mrs Karen Cotton, EYFS Lead

Our Induction Timetable 

1. At your convenience  - Please visit the school office where there will be an induction pack for your child to collect

2. As soon as possible please - Please use this form to let us know which sessions you will be attending

3. Monday 1st July 5-6.30 - The EYFS Team welcome parents to a drop in session in our classroom.  You will have the opportunity to look around our classroom and ask questions of the team. There will be a member from our wraparound care team also for you to find out about that service. 

4. Wednesday 3rd June or Thursday 4th June 9-11.30 am - Children have the opportunity to spend a morning in school with their new teachers in their classroom.  Please choose one session, and bring your child to the EYFS Outdoor Classroom gate which you  can find at the end of the staff car park. At pick up time the staff will be around for you to come into class, have a look around and talk to us. Please note that we must have had the data form from your induction pack returned before this session so that we are aware of any medical needs and have emergency contact details.

5. Thursday 27th June 11.30 - 12.15 - New starters lunch, a lovely opportunity to come into school with your child and try a school lunch, please use the google form to book your lunch. Lunches cost £2.95 each and should be paid in cash to the school office before the day please.

6. Monday 8 July , Tuesday 9 July, Wednesday 17 July, 2.30-3.00  Storytime at school

7. Monday 15 July 2.00-3.00 pm - At Kingsmead Primary School we constantly strive to develop our links with parents and the wider community.  Parents and carers have the biggest single influence on their children’s lives and are their child’s primary educator. As parents of a child who is attending school for the first time we wish to invite you to a course for parents entitled ‘Step Up To School’.  The course will take the form of an informal discussion, which will look at the social and emotional aspects of your child starting school and how best you can support your child through this period of transition.