We have a transition programme designed to help children become familiar with the school, staff and routines before they start. This includes: A New Starter Parent Welcome Meeting Buddy Tours and Lunch Taster sessions A school visit morning Home visits with the Reception team Induction sessions before the first full day of school These opportunities help children feel confident and settled before starting.

We'll let you know which class you'll be joining at the parent welcome meeting.

Home visits are one of the most important parts of our transition process. They give children the opportunity to meet the adults who will be working with them in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. Home visits also help us get to know your child better. Seeing children in their own environment often helps us understand their interests, confidence and stage of development so that we can plan effectively for when they start school. Children who have had a home visit often settle more quickly and build relationships with staff more easily. And please don’t worry — we absolutely don’t expect the house to be tidy or the washing up to be done! The visit is simply a relaxed chance to meet and chat about your child. If a home visit does not work for your family, we can arrange a school-based visit instead.

These will be on: Monday 29th June – Intake 1 School Visit (8:40am - 11:45am) Wednesday 1st July – Intake 2 School Visit (8:40am - 11:45am)

To help children settle gently into school, we begin the year with a short phased start. Children are split into two groups for the first couple of days so staff can spend extra time supporting everyone and helping children become familiar with the classroom. The groups are organised by age: Intake 1 Children with birthdays between 1st April and 31st August Intake 2 Children with birthdays between September and May Each group will also have a school visit morning in June/July so children can spend time in their new classroom before September.

The September Phased Start Dates are: Tuesday 8th September – Intake 1 attend (8:40am –11:45am) Wednesday 9th September – Intake 1 & Intake 2 attend (8:40am –11:45am) Thursday 10th September – All children start full-time Starting in smaller groups helps children build confidence, get to know the adults in the classroom and settle calmly into school life.

School readiness is much more about helping children feel confident and independent in everyday things. For example: using the toilet independently putting on their coat or jumper asking for help when they need it understanding that it’s okay to feel a little nervous about new things Our goal is to support children to feel socially, physically and emotionally ready so they can settle happily and begin their learning journey with confidence.

We understand that children develop at different rates. While most children are toilet independent when they start school, accidents do happen and staff will support children sensitively if this occurs. If you have any concerns about toileting, please speak with us so we can work together to support your child.

Please don’t worry. Children are not expected to be able to read or write when they start Reception. Teaching children these skills is exactly what we are here for. Our focus is on helping children develop confidence, independence, communication and a love of learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) has its own curriculum. Children learn through playing and exploring, being active, and thinking creatively and critically. Learning takes place both indoors and outdoors, through a balance of adult-led and child-led activities. The EYFS framework sets out how and what your child will learn to support their development. Children develop skills, knowledge and understanding through seven areas of learning, which are divided into Prime Areas and Specific Areas. The Prime Areas These are the foundations for all future learning: Communication and Language Physical Development Personal, Social and Emotional Development When these areas are well supported, children are better able to develop skills across the other areas of the curriculum and become confident, active, articulate and independent learners.

The school day begins at 8:40am. Children can be dropped off at their class entrance where a member of staff will welcome them into the classroom. The school day finishes at 3:10pm, when children are collected from the class gate.

No. All children in Foundation receive a free school dinner each day. There are several meal options available and these are pre-booked in advance. We will set you up with MCAS (My Child at School) accounts which you will use for selecting lunches, booking clubs, providing consent for trips etc.

Lots of children arrive on their first day with armfuls of bags and belongings, so we like to keep things simple. We avoid large backpacks as they are not needed and they can make it harder for children to manage their things independently. We teach children to become independent and organised, and bringing just the essentials really helps them learn to look after their things. Your child will need: School uniform PE kit and trainers (children come to school wearing their PE kit on their PE day) A book bag A named water bottle A pair of wellies to stay in school (especially useful for outdoor learning and Wild Tribe weeks) Please ensure everything is clearly named, and it is helpful if children know what their name labels look like so they can recognise their own belongings.

We ask that children do not bring toys into school, as they can easily get lost or damaged. If we have a special sharing opportunity or themed day, we will always let you know in advance.

You can find our branded school uniform from these suppliers: PROSERVE Unit 3, Dinan Way Trading Estate, Exmouth, Tel: 01395 222975. and ShipShape Uniforms & Workwear Ltd 18 Albion Street Exmouth Devon EX8 1JL Tel: 01395 262216 Mobile: 07889 180044 ​ Our full Uniform list can be found here: School Uniform We also have volunteers / PTFA who sell second hand uniform, as well as managing lost and found items. You can contact them via Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wrpslostfoundswaps

This is completely normal and we expect some children to feel a little unsure at first. Our transition programme is designed to help children become familiar with the staff, classroom and routines before September. Our team are very experienced in supporting children to settle. We focus on building strong relationships so children quickly feel safe and confident. Things that can really help with any wobbles or worries: - playing 'schools' with your child & chatting about what they think school might be like, playing dress up with school uniform to get used to wearing it before September, reading books about starting school / changes and talking about transitions in the past where things might have changed (starting nursery or moving rooms at nursery, welcoming a new sibling, or moving house). The book 'The Invisible String' is a lovely one to read together to support children who may be worried about missing their parents & care-givers, as it explains how you are also connected even when you are not together. Here's a link to it on YouTube:  The Invisible String READ ALOUD | Helping Kids With Separation, Feelings & Emotional Regulation

If you have any questions, please contact the school office, who will be happy to help or direct your message to the Foundation team.