Starting Big School
Applying for a school place for September 2024
If your child was born between 1st September 2019 and 31st August 2020 you need to apply for a school place for September 2024. The closing date for applications is 15th January 2024.
For school admissions enquiries please contact:
Telephone 01202 123222 or email cis@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or school.admissions@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Starting ‘big’ school is always an exciting but can also be a nervous time for all the children, parents/carers. Making new friends, learning new things, meeting new people, this can sometimes be quite daunting! For most of our Starfish children this experience is not so daunting as they are already familiar with the setting and regularly use the school facilities.
We organise a range of activities to help make the transition into school as smooth and enjoyable for all the children and the parents/carers too. We visit the Reception base/classrooms during the summer term before the children start school. We will work with the EYFS Leader/school to prepare your child for September. We will talk about going to school, show pictures and practise putting on their uniform and enjoy lots of role playing.
We will pass on their transition documents for all of the children during the summer term to the EYFS Lead/new school. These are shared with the class teachers and pastoral team to help in supporting your child and allocating a suitable class place. Our EYFS Leader, and other members of school staff, will arrange to visit the children in their local setting and a home visit may also be arranged if your child is going to attend an alternative school. For any settings we are unable to visit, we will always make contact via telephone to find out about your child and to establish their needs as much as possible.
When school places have then been confirmed, you will be invited to attend a 'Welcome Evening’ at the school. This will give you the opportunity to meet class teachers and see their classroom and Year base. At a later date, you will also have an opportunity to meet on a 1-1 basis with the class teacher. Children will also be invited to come in to have a story time with their class teacher and new friends. All dates/times will be confirmed.
As September approaches fast and you enjoy your valued time with your little one before they start, the class teacher and the class teaching assistant will arrange to meet with you. This is an important part of the transition to school, and the staff and children gain so much from the visit. This will give you another opportunity to ask any questions and air any concerns you are experiencing.
Our Reception children always start the following week after our other children have returned in September (normally the second week). We have a staggered start for all children, where half the class will attend one day (all day) and the other half of the class attend the next day with all children then attending together the following day. All children then attend school all day every day following this short induction.
For most children, starting school is an exciting enjoyable time and we love to watch the children come into school with smiles on their faces and watch them quickly settle into school life. For some children the transition is sometimes not as smooth, if you are concerned about your child’s start and feel they would maybe benefit from additional support then please do not hesitate to contact our Early Years Leader in school.
Your child’s happiness is our happiness!