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Starting in Reception

 

from all of us at The Trumpington Federation!

We can't wait to meet all the new children starting Reception in September.  

 

      

Tour our Classrooms!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prepare my child for starting Reception?

Practise dressing and undressing, this will help them manage toileting and changing for PE with more confidence.

Practise using the toilet independently.

Recognise their own name.

Talk to your child about school between now and September.

Encourage your child to try different foods and to use a knife and fork independently.

Read stories and encourage enjoyment in books.

Talk about the books that you have read.

Make up your own stories.

Do lots of counting.

Talk and sing with your children.

 

How can I support my child’s learning once they have started school?

Read books at home.

Practise phonics that is being taught in school.

Play games to encourage turn taking and sharing - board games are great!

Practise name writing.

Count every day items at home like socks, clothes pegs, pieces of fruit.

Encourage lots of talking and communication.

Log in to your Tapestry account to see what your child has done and school and post examples of things your child has been doing at home

 

 

Where do I drop my child off each day?

Fawcett - Walk towards the main entrance and wait at the black gates that lead into the Reception garden.

Trumpington Meadows - go through the main playground and round to the EYFS garden.

Your child’s class teacher will pick them up from their gate at 8.45 a.m.

How will the school communicate information with parents?

The school website and particularly the Reception class page

Parent emails

Tapestry

Individual parent/ carer meetings - a chance to find out how your child is doing. These take place twice a year.

Parent Cafes

A yearly written report

Will my child get any homework?

Your child will be given a phonics reading book every week, we would encourage you to read every day with your child. This could be reading to your child or listening to them read. 

They will also have a phonics folder containing the new sounds we are learning. We would like you to revise these phonics sounds regularly.

Suggested home learning activities will be posted to Tapestry.

What time does school start and finish?
School starts at 8.45 am and finishes at 3.15 pm.
What else do I need to provide for my child at school?

Named wellington boots - to stay in school.

A named sunhat / winter hats and gloves depending on the season.

A bag with named spare clothes- pants, socks, tights, trousers, jumper/top

 
What PE kit will my child need?

White T-shirt

Blue or Black Shorts or leggings (Fawcett)

Bottle green or Black Shorts or leggings

Plimsolls or trainers

Socks

These items should all be named and kept in a separate bag.

What if my child has a medical condition/food allergy?

Provide an inhaler or epipen for those who need one.  Must be in original packaging with the child's name clearly marked and a school medication form needs to be completed at the office. The medication needs to be sent into school in a clearly labelled, tupperware box. The parent is responsible for ensuring that this medication remains within date.

Ensure full details of any medical needs and/or allergies are detailed on the school admission form.

What happens at lunchtime?

Every morning the lunch register will be taken and so it is important that your child knows whether they are having a hot meal or packed lunch from home.

Hot lunches are free for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 as part of the national Universal Infant Free School Meal scheme.

Please make sure there is no food containing nuts in your child’s packed lunch.

We suggest fruit, yoghurt and a sandwich/wrap. Please limit sugary snacks and drinks as we try to encourage healthy eating.

Feel free to look at the school menu and select days that your child would feel comfortable with. It is up to you to decide how many hot lunches your child will have.

What if my child is fussy? We will ask them to have a go at trying the food on their plate but we will not make them eat it. We will celebrate the fact they have tried something new, even if it is just a mouthful! If they regularly refuse to eat what is available we will talk to you because we do not want them to be hungry in the afternoon.

Do I need to provide a snack?
School will provide a piece of fruit every morning. Children are not allowed to bring in any other snacks.

 

 

 

Useful documents to support you as you get your child ready for starting Reception.

                   

 

Welcome Pack

You will receive paper copies of these documents along with other school information but they are attached here for your reference if needed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Useful websites

Below are some websites that you may find useful to support you in preparing your child for school.

The BookTrust website has prepared a list of wonderful books to share with your child to help them on their new adventure.

 

 

https://www.parentkind.org.uk/Parents/Starting-school-tips-from-other-parents