A very warm welcome to our new Reception children and their families.

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our Almondsbury family!

We will be regularly updating this page of our school website with information regarding your child starting school.

On 16 April 2024 you will receive notification of the school place offered to your child. If your child has been offered a place at our school for September 2024, please ensure you accept the place by Tuesday 30 April 2024.

Each year we organise a number of activities to inform parents and carers about the starting school process and to support the children with their transition to our school. The plan for this year is outlined below.

Important dates 

- Friday 10 May - A letter from Mr Smith will be sent out to all parents, welcoming them to the school, along with an admission form to complete and return ASAP

- Friday 24 May - Deadline to return admission forms to the school office

- Tuesday 11 June 9:30 - 11:00 - 'New Parents Meeting'– this will involve a presentation from Mr Smith with information about the school and phased intake process. Your child's new class teacher will give you a tour of the school  and answer any questions you may have.  You will also have the opportunity to purchase school ties, welly boot bags, reading folders and school uniform.

- Monday 24 - Thursday 27 June 12:00 - 12:45 – We invite your child and one parent to come into school for lunch together. The children will also get the opportunity to visit the Reception outdoor area and classroom once they have eaten their lunch.

- Tuesday 2 or Wednesday 3 July 9:15 - 10:45 – Your child is invited into school for a 'Stay and Play' session. Please note they will be allocated 1 of these dates. 

- Tuesday 3 or Wednesday 4 September – The class teachers will carry out 'Home/ Garden Visits' for each child. This is optional but very much encouraged as it is a great way for the children to meet their teachers, before starting school, in an environment where they feel most comfortable. The children often enjoy sharing their favourite toy or book.    

- Thursday 5 September – First day at school! The children will take part in a 'Teddy Bears' Picnic'. They will bring their teddy, make a sandwich and decorate a biscuit, before going on a bear hunt and enjoying their picnic! This will be with half of the class at one time, morning or afternoon.

- Friday 6 September, Monday 9 & Tuesday 10 September - The children will attend 1/2 days, with half of the class at a time, to enable us to settle them in and get to know them 9:00 - 11:30 or 12:45 - 3:15.

- Wednesday 11 - Friday 13 September – All children will be in school in the morning & stay for lunch 9:00 - 12:45

- Week beg 16 September – All children will be in school full time 8:55 - 3:30

Please rest assured we will do everything we can to ensure that each child has the transition and support they need to begin their learning journey with us.

Below you will find a story about starting school, that you may wish to share with your child.

Please select the PDF at the bottom of this page.

Here are some top tips to help your child prepare for starting school.

Share this video with your child!

Click here to play the video - School Readiness

The children will be given 'The Journey to School' pages below, when they come for their 'Stay and Play' sessions.

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Mr Paul Smith - Headteacher - Paul.Smith@almondsburyprimary.co.uk

Mrs Rebecca Giles - Early Years Leader & Reception Class Teacher - Rebecca.Wingett@almondsburyprimary.co.uk