Question 1

What should I look for when visiting on a school tour?

Accepted Answer

When you visit schools, you might want to notice…Do the children seem happy, secure and absorbed?How do adults speak to children?Is play treated as important learning?Can children move, talk, explore and make choices?How are children supported when something feels difficult?How does the environment support independence?How are early reading, writing and maths taught?How does the school support children with additional needs?How are parents involved?Can you imagine your child belonging here?

Question 2

What Reception looks like at our school

Accepted Answer

Playing, exploring and thinkingChildren have long periods in which they can investigate, create, collaborate, imagine and practise what they are learning.Strong foundationsWe explicitly teach early reading, phonics, mathematics, communication, writing and physical skills, recognising that young children learn through talk, movement, experience and play.Relationships firstFeeling safe, known and connected matters. Adults support children to understand themselves, communicate their needs and gradually become more independent.Every child belongsChildren do not all arrive at school in the same place or learn in the same way. We adapt our teaching, environment and support so that every child can participate in our EYFS community.

Question 3

Applying for a school place

Accepted Answer

Applications for September 2027 Reception places are managed by Devon County Council, rather than directly by the school.Applications open: 15 November 2026Applications close: 15 January 2027National Offer Day: 16 April 2027Even if your child attends a nursery or pre-school linked to a school, you have an older child already at the school, or you have told a school that you are interested in a place, you still need to make a formal Reception application.You should apply through the local authority where your child lives. See 'useful links' for quick access to the portal.

Question 4

Summer-born children

Accepted Answer

Parents of children born between 1 April and 31 August may want to read Devon's information about deferred or delayed admission. Devon County Council explains that parents may defer taking up a Reception place within the school year, and there is separate guidance around requests for admission outside the normal age group.

Question 5

How can I prepare my child for starting school?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What matters before Reception?

Accepted Answer

Your child does not need to arrive at school already reading, writing or doing sums, but there are some things you can start doing to help get your child ready.​TalkHave conversations, tell stories, sing songs and nursery rhymes, notice new words and give children time to communicate.​Share booksRead together for pleasure. Talk about pictures, wonder what might happen next and revisit favourite stories again and again.​Grow independenceGive children manageable opportunities to have a go at things all by themselves! — dressing, putting on shoes, toileting, washing hands, eating and looking after their belongings.​Feelings and relationshipsHelp children begin to recognise feelings, experience little frustrations safely, take turns, repair friendship bumps and know that adults can help.MoveRun, climb, balance, crawl, dig, carry, dance, draw, build and manipulate objects.PlayAbove all, let them play! 
Pretend, create, build, investigate, get messy, make plans, change those plans and become deeply absorbed in the things that fascinate them.Children arrive with different experiences, personalities, strengths and needs. Our job, with your help, is to get to know the child who arrives.

Question 7

Tell us what matters about your child

Accepted Answer

If your child has additional needs, finds transitions particularly difficult, is supported by other professionals or you simply have something you would like us to understand about them, please talk to us.Early conversations help us think carefully about transition and what might help your child feel safe and successful.

Question 8

What if my child is worried about starting school?

Accepted Answer

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

Withycombe Raleigh C of E Primary School

Headteacher Mrs E Jones

Thinking about starting school in September 2027?