Starting Big School

In the academic year in which your child turns five, they will start their Reception class at your chosen primary school.
It is important that we work closely with you to ensure your child is as school-ready as possible, helping to make the transition into their new adventure as smooth, positive and enjoyable as possible.

School Visits 

We work closely with the Reception teachers to arrange opportunities for the children and their new teachers to meet before we break up for the summer. This includes visits to their new classrooms, giving children the opportunity to become familiar with their new surroundings and meet the adults who will be supporting them.

We also invite the new Reception teachers to join us for activities in our preschool, helping to build familiar and positive relationships before the children officially start school.

As part of this transition, we arrange for the children who will be moving to Europa to have lunch in the primary school canteen. This helps them become familiar with the new environment, routines and spaces, making these areas feel less unfamiliar and daunting when they start Reception. 
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Ready for list checklist

During the second part of the year, we will complete a school readiness checklist for each child. This has been created in partnership with Europa helping us to identify the skills and areas your child is already confident in, as well as any areas where they may benefit from further support to ensure they are 'School Ready'.

We will share this with parents, giving you a clear understanding of what you can work on together with your child over the summer months before they start Reception in September.

Working together in this way helps to build your child’s confidence, independence and readiness for this exciting next step in their learning journey.
Please click below for some useful information sheets 
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​Curriculum and home learning bulletin for children starting reception 

Oxford County Council 'Am i ready for school'  tips