Starting School
We’re so pleased you’re considering our school for your child’s first steps in their educational journey!
Starting school is an exciting milestone, for both children and parents, and we’re here to make the transition as smooth and positive as possible.
What happens when my child is ready to start school?
Apply for a School Place
All applications for Reception places must be made through Telford & Wrekin Council Admissions.
When You’ve Been Offered a Place
Places are usually confirmed in April. Once your child has been allocated a place at our school, we will be in touch to start the transition process.
If your child has not attended our Nursery, we will offer a home visit from the class teacher and our EYFS Assistant Headteacher. This allows:
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A chance to build trust in a familiar environment.
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Time for you to talk one-to-one about your child’s needs.
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Your child to meet their teacher where they feel most comfortable — at home.
We know that starting school is a big step, and we want to build that all-important parent–school partnership right from the beginning.
Please see our Induction and Transition policy for more details.Visiting School Before Starting
We welcome all new children and their parents or carers to visit the school before they start, whether they are joining Reception in September or moving to us at another point during the school year.
During your visit, you will be able to:
- Meet key members of staff.
- Explore the school and your child’s learning environment.
- Find out about school routines and expectations.
- Ask any questions you may have.
Where appropriate, we can arrange additional visits to help your child become familiar with the school and feel confident about starting.
If your child has Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), we will also arrange for you to meet with our SENDCo so that we can understand their needs and put the right support in place.
Starting Reception and September Induction Week
Starting school is an important milestone, and we aim to make the transition into Reception calm, positive and reassuring for every child.
A Gentle Start
During the first week, children attend school every morning and then stay for one afternoon in a small group.
This gradual approach gives children time to:
- become familiar with their classroom and the wider school;
- get to know their teacher, teaching assistant and classmates;
- learn the daily routines;
- explore the learning environment;
- build confidence before attending for the full school day; and
- experience lunchtime with a smaller group of children.
Staff use this time to begin building positive relationships with each child and to understand their individual interests, strengths and needs.
What Will My Child Do During the First Week?
The first week focuses on helping children feel safe, happy and confident in school. Children will take part in a range of play-based activities, including:
- exploring the indoor and outdoor learning areas;
- listening to stories, singing songs and joining in with rhymes;
- painting, drawing, building and imaginative play;
- learning where to keep their belongings;
- practising classroom routines, such as tidying up and sitting together;
- getting to know the other children; and
- learning how to ask an adult for help.
There will be plenty of opportunities to talk, play, make choices and rest when needed. We understand that starting school can be tiring, and staff will support children sensitively throughout the day.
The Reception Baseline Assessment
During the first few weeks of Reception, your child will complete the statutory Reception Baseline Assessment.
This is a short, practical assessment completed individually with a familiar member of staff. It looks at children’s early skills in:
- communication and language;
- early literacy; and
- early mathematics.
The activities are designed to feel relaxed and engaging. Children do not need to prepare, and they will not be given a score or pass or fail result.
The assessment helps to provide a starting point for measuring children’s progress throughout primary school. Alongside this, staff will continue to observe children as they play and learn so that teaching can be planned around their individual needs.
reception baseline assessment information for parents.pdf
Helping Your Child Get School Ready
Being “school ready” does not mean that children need to be able to read, write or complete formal work before they start. The most helpful preparation is building confidence, independence, communication and positive routines.
Over the summer, you can support your child by encouraging them to:
- put on and take off their coat;
- use the toilet and wash their hands independently;
- recognise their name;
- practise opening their lunchbox, drinks bottle and food packaging;
- use a knife, fork and spoon;
- tidy away toys and belongings;
- listen to and follow simple instructions;
- take turns and share with others;
- ask an adult for help when needed; and
- talk positively about starting school.
Please continue to share stories, sing songs, talk about numbers in everyday life and give your child opportunities to draw, colour, cut, build and play outdoors.
It is also helpful to establish regular bedtime and morning routines before the start of term.
starting reception with logo.pdf
Reception Transition Books
Our Reception class transition books will help your child become familiar with their classroom, staff and school environment before they begin.
Please look through the books together and talk positively about the photographs and information included.
Get Your Child Reception Ready!
Here are some useful links and tips to help you prepare your child for starting school:
10 starting reception document.pdf
Moving Through School
From Reception to Year 2
After Reception, your child will move to Year 1 and then Year 2, following the Key Stage 1 National Curriculum.
Moving to Key Stage 2
At the end of Year 2, your child will move to Key Stage 2. You’ll need to apply for a Junior school place. Most children move on to our linked school:
➡️ Wrockwardine Wood C of E Junior School
For full details, please see our Admissions Page.