Transition

Starting School for the First Time - Reception

Willow Grove's extensive induction programme ensures that, when a child joins the school in Reception in September, they will be familiar with the setting and the adults who will be working with them.

The programme includes:

Nursery Visits

The Reception Class teacher and often the SENCO will visit all new children in their nursery settings before the end of the summer term.

Stay and Play Sessions

The child and their parent/carer will be invited to spend part of the morning or afternoon in the Reception setting, where they can familiarise themselves with the surroundings, layout and the staff.

Home Visit

Before pupils start school in September, their class teacher and another member of the Reception team will make a home visit. This is an opportunity for everyone to meet, to get to know each other better and a chance for the parent/carer to ask any questions they have regarding school life.

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Staggered Start Dates

When a child starts school at Willow Grove in Reception, they begin with mornings only and are in school full time the following week. To give all children the opportunity to become accustomed to their new surroundings, they are placed into small groups. These measures ensure that the pupils have a chance to settle in well during their first days at school.