Puttenham Church of England School

Induction of new pupils

Summer term

In the second half of the summer term, before your child starts school, we invite children into school on two mornings. During the first visit of one hour the children meet their teacher and teaching assistant, as well as some of the other children who will be starting with them in September.

Parents are invited over to the Marwick Hall where they can meet other parents, receive the school pack, which contains lots of information and forms to be completed, and have coffee with the headteacher. During the second and longer visit children spend time in class with the teacher and teaching assistant, learning where things go and enjoying break time. They meet their Year 2 playground buddy and experience their first playtime. Parents are once again invited to coffee in the Marwick Hall. This gives the opportunity to ask any questions that have not been answered before.

Autumn term

In the autumn term, the reception children have a staggered start to the term. This allows them the time and space to learn the new class routines and rules. They have the opportunity to get to know their teachers and teaching assistants in a small group. They experience playtimes supported by their playground buddy and are introduced to the other staff in school. They will stay to lunch in the second week and be in school full-time from the third week.

If you feel that your child is not ready for full-time school immediately, the staff and I are always very happy to discuss this with you. We are keen for children to have the best possible introduction to school life and feel that parents are the best judges of their children. Therefore we have no hard and fast rules about when your child should start full-time education.