Here are some frequently asked questions, and their answers, regarding starting school. 

If your question has not been answered here, please contact the school office who will be happy to help. 

My child is still unable to get dressed independently. When will they be expected to do this at school? When will PE start?

PE sessions begin as soon as your child starts school, but they will not be expected to change into PE kits until after October half-term. To begin with, children are encouraged to take off their clothes one item at a time as a class and teachers will talk them through this. Lots of children require some support with certain items (eg. Jumpers) but we encourage them to be as independent as possible when changing.

Although we try and ensure that each child puts their clothes in a neat pile invariable mix ups happen, PLEASE ensure that any article of clothing your child might take off is labelled clearly with their name.

Will my child be able to play with children who are in the alternate class?

Yes, all the children access the nursery/ reception outdoor learning area throughout the day and they all play together on the large playground at lunchtime.   

Do I need to send in a snack or a drink for my child?

No. We ask that you do not send in a snack or a drink because the children are able to have a drink of water at any time throughout the school day. They also have a piece of fruit and a drink of milk that they can choose to have when they wish.

 How long will my child be expected to sit on the carpet for when they start school?

When your child starts school, carpet-based lessons will be approximately 10 - 15 minutes long. Maths, English and phonics sessions will take place on a daily basis and topic sessions will also take place frequently. These sessions will be active, engaging and tailored to the interests and learning needs of your child. This will increase over the year as we prepare for year one. 

 How is reading assessed and when will my child receive a reading book?

Your child will receive a reading book during their first half-term at school. Books are divided into colour bands based on the level of comprehension and the reading skill required. Children are read with by a member of staff at least once every two weeks and your child can be moved up onto the next book band at any time, when the staff feel that they are ready and are showing appropriate reading and comprehension skills.

 We encourage you to support your child with their reading at home by reading frequently to them and sharing their school reading book at least three times a week, discussing stories as you read them. It really does make a huge difference.

We also offer a phonics information session in the Autumn term during which we discuss some useful strategies to support reading.

 How are children divided into classes?

After the visits have taken place, the EYFS team will sort your child into the appropriate class based on their friendships. We aim to ensure that each child has at least one familiar friend in their own class, although the two classes do frequently mix together. 

What uniform do I need to purchase and how can I purchase it?

The uniform for boys consists of grey trousers or shorts, black shoes, a white shirt or polo top and a red sweatshirt or cardigan. The uniform for girls consists of a red sweatshirt or cardigan jumper, grey skirt, a grey dress or grey trousers, a white polo top or shirt, black shoes and red checked summer dresses in the summer. Uniform can be ordered from the school office or alternatively can be purchased online or from a supermarket.

School Dinners

 All school dinners are free in infant schools.  There is a choice of both main course and puddings and the children choose when they go into lunch. The dinners are delicious, healthy and freshly made daily by our school cook. Please do encourage your child to have a cooked dinner. However, if you are really sure that your child will only eat a packed lunch, then the kitchen will happily fill your child’s lunchbox for them, with a packed lunch. Our kitchen needs a weeks’ notice if your child is moving from Pak ups to dinners and vice versa.

How can I prepare my child for school?

We encourage you to attend the school readiness talk that will take place in the summer prior to your child starting school. We will discuss the structure of a typical day at school and how to prepare your child during this particular evening.

You can also find more information on our transition page on the school website