Starting Reception
A Message From The Headteacher
Starting school is an anxious time for all families. At Batley Parish, we have developed excellent systems to ensure that this important transition is as smooth as possible for children and parents. Once you’re child has been allocated a place at our school we will be inviting you to a welcome meeting. This will tell you everything you need to know about our school and Reception Class. We pride ourselves on giving children the best start to their school life and plan a staggered start for your child in September to ensure that you will have the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and visit the classroom. We very much look forward to getting to know all of the children and you as families.
Welcome to Reception
Starting Reception is an important and exciting stage in your child’s learning journey. Whether children are continuing from our Nursery or joining us from another setting, we want every child to feel known, confident and ready to begin the next stage of their Early Years journey.Reception builds upon children’s previous experiences while introducing new learning, routines and expectations at a pace that is appropriate for each child.
Preparing for Reception
Before children begin, families are invited to a Welcome Meeting where we introduce the Reception team, share key information about the Reception year and explain our curriculum, routines and expectations.Children also have opportunities to become familiar with their new environment and adults before September. For children already within our Early Years Unit, transition is supported through the close working relationship between Nursery and Reception staff and the continuity of our shared curriculum and provision.For children joining us from other settings, we work with families and previous providers to build a clear picture of their experiences, strengths and individual needs.
Building on What Children Already Know
Reception is not a fresh start — it is the next stage of children’s learning.At the beginning of the year, adults spend time getting to know children through interactions, observations, conversations with families and information shared during transition. We consider the whole child, including their communication and language, wellbeing and involvement, relationships, independence, physical development and previous learning.This helps us identify children’s starting points and ensures that teaching and provision build purposefully upon what they already know and can do.
Other
On this page, you will find a range of useful documents and information to help prepare your child for starting school.
Please take some time to explore the resources provided, including our Welcome Booklet and Welcome Presentation, which contain key information about school life, routines, expectations, and how we will work together to support your child.
If you have any questions after reading through the information, please do not hesitate to contact the school office on 01924 326361. We will be happy to help and support you as your child begins their journey at Batley Parish CE Academy.
We look forward to working in partnership with you and welcoming your family to our school community.
Other Important Information
We have provided lots of useful information below that you may find useful to help prepare you and your child for starting school. Here you will find lots of useful hints and tips of how to support your child’s transition to starting school. We know that this can be an anxious time for both you and your child and we hope that the information below will help you to prepare for your child starting school.