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

Key Transition Dates 

• Stay and Play – Wednesday 11 June, 3:30pm–4:15pm 
  A relaxed after-school session where you and your child can explore the Reception classroom and garden together. 
  Please bring your child’s original birth certificate and passport (or visa/residency permit if applicable) and proof of address dated within the last 3 months. Our admin team will make copies during this session. 

• Welcome Meeting – Wednesday 18 June, starting at 3:30pm 
  Meet the Reception team, Headteacher and other families. We’ll share key information about school life and answer any questions you may have. You will be informed of which class your child will be in. 

• Transition Morning – Friday 4 July, 11:10–12pm 
  Your child will spend time in their new classroom, meet their teacher, and get to know some of their new classmates. We encourage children to stay for this session without their parent or carer, as this helps them build confidence and begin to feel comfortable in their new environment. During this time, parents and carers are welcome to take a short break or use the opportunity for themselves before returning to collect their child. 

• Meet the Teacher – Friday 5 September to Tuesday 9 September 
  You will be given an individual appointment to come in and meet your child’s class teacher. Time and date will be sent to you separately. 

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. 

Start of Term – Wednesday 10 September at 8:40am 
All Reception children begin full-time school. Please send your child in with a packed lunch on this day. You will receive login details for ParentPay to book free school lunches for the following days.