New Reception Starters

A very warm welcome to Reception at Alfred Sutton Primary School.

We are delighted to have your child starting with us in September. This is an exciting time and we look forward to welcoming your child into our Foundation Stage classes. We hope that your child will be very happy and successful while they are here.

A full transition timetable and our online admission forms will be sent to you during the summer term. All correspondence will be through email, so please check your junk folder from time to time and include your child’s name when communicating with us.

Transition to school

At Alfred Sutton, we understand that starting school is a significant milestone for both children and their families. We know that a smooth and positive transition into Reception lays the foundations for a child’s future learning and well-being. That’s why we place great importance on getting to know each child and their unique needs, interests, and experiences before they start with us.  

We create a welcoming and nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. Our carefully planned transition activities help to build strong relationships and ease the move into school life.

Our Parent Handbook and Photobook will begin to answer some of the questions you may have about starting at Alfred Sutton.

PACEY has joined other leading early years organisations to launch a new ‘Starting Reception’ definition to help parents, carers, early years and education professionals prepare children for starting in Reception year at school.  

Brighter Futures for Children have just launched a new webpage to help parents and carers prepare their child for reception year. You can visit it here.

Transition arrangements

Welcome meeting

A welcome meeting for all parents and carers will be held during the summer term.  This will be an opportunity for staff to share information about starting school.  You will meet the reception team, the Headteacher and the other new parents in preparation for this exciting new phase in you and your child’s life. 

This year the welcome meeting will be held on TBC. Times will be sent to you via email.

Stay-and-play 

In the summer term all children will be invited into school for a stay-and-play session.  During this visit they will meet the Reception staff and spend time in the classrooms and garden.  

This year the stay-and-play will be on TBC.  Children must be accompanied by their parent/carer during this visit.

Meet the Teacher 

In September, there will be a Meet the Teacher session.  This will be in small groups where you and your child will spend time in the reception environment.  During this visit staff will complete a ‘getting to know you’ sheet with parents and carers.  During this session you will have the chance to ask any questions or discuss any concerns you may have about your child starting school. 

This year, the Meet the Teachers sessions will take place on TBC. Your session time and date will be sent to you via email.

Starting school

Your child will be part of a class of up to 30 children and will attend on a full-time basis.  If you feel your child would benefit from a short, staggered start, please discuss this during the Meet the Teacher session and we can adjust transition to suit his/her needs. 

This year children will start school on TBC. The school day finished at 3.10pm