Reception Starters 2026
Welcome to your school!
A Message from the Headteacher
I am delighted that your child will be joining us in September. I would like to extend a warm welcome on behalf of our entire school community.
We are committed to ensuring that your child makes a successful start with us and will do all we can to ensure that they are well prepared and happy in September.
In response to feedback from staff and families last year, on the first day of term, Wednesday 2nd September, Reception children will start at 9.15am and finish at 2.45pm. This is for the first day only. Staff will be on the playground to welcome you, help families to find their way to Reception and begin to settle children in.
From 9.25am onwards, parents/carers of Reception children are invited to join us for informal refreshments in the school hall. This is a great opportunity to come and get to know some of the other families with children in Reception and we hope that it helps to settle those first day nerves! You do not need to register this – you are welcome to just turn up for a coffee and a chat.
If you have any questions or require any additional information in the meantime, please take a look on our school website www.hooleceprimary.co.uk where you will find lots of information regarding our Early Years provision and our school or please make contact with Mrs Jeffs. Her email address is [email protected].
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for joining our school. I assure you that every member of my team is committed to enabling your child to let their light shine during their time with us.
About Reception
At Hoole CE Primary School, we believe that starting school is one of the most important times of a child's life. This is the year that your child will develop their independence, confidence, resilience and curiosity. As a team, we aim to make this an exciting but also settling experience for both the child and their family.
Children in the Reception class follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS). The curriculum focuses on a balance between adult and child led activities. These opportunities and experiences are planned to meet children's learning needs and interests.
We are fortunate enough to have a large indoor classroom which is organised into engaging and exciting zones. These different learning areas complement and enhance the EYFS. This includes a writing area, a creative and music area, a maths area and many more alongside the exciting and stimulating outdoor classroom. We will encourage the children to choose what the next topic will be - previously this has been "Superheroes", "Under the Sea" and "Space"!
Through working as a team with staff, children and families, we aim to create an exciting curriculum where learning is fun and interesting! For more information, please take a look at our Reception Class page.
What can you do to prepare your child for their first day
You can prepare your child by making them familiar with the general idea of school. They could try on their new uniform and start by getting into a routine of waking up at the right time in the morning and getting ready for the day. You could walk or cycle to the school gates so that your child is used to the journey.
You could read storybooks such as Janet and Allan Ahlberg's Starting School, or I am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child. They are engaging ways to create positive impressions of what school is all about. They will also help your child raise any concerns or ask questions about what school will be like.
You could encourage your child to practice tasks such as using the toilet and washing their hands independently. Also putting on their coat, undoing zips and buttons, using cutlery and opening and closing a lunch box.
You could talk about school casually on a regular basis, making it sound like a really exciting adventure.
We have put together a presentation showing some exciting parts of our school. You could talk to your child about school, the areas that will be relevant to them and activities they may enjoy.
How you can help your child settle into school
Some children will walk through the door without looking back, others might be upset. If your child is upset, be brave and stay cheerful. If possible, stay for a few minutes and then creep away quietly; no matter how much you may want to say goodbye with a cuddle, it may trigger further tears.
In the rare event that your child may stay upset, we would always phone you. Feel free to phone us later to put your mind at rest. If possible, walk through the gates with a friend from class so your child feels settled. Come to school on time – arriving late can be unsettling and can also mean your child misses important information.
For further information about starting school, please read our FAQs!