The start of term and particularly starting school for the first time is an exciting and sometimes challenging time, and we enjoy welcoming new families into our Cradley family. We aim to make this experience as informative and support families to be as well-prepared as possible. 

Transition Plan

We look forward to getting to know our new families before they start school in September. We know that this is a special time for parents and your child/ren and we hope to make this transition into school as smooth as possible. 

Parent information meeting

All parents are invited to our welcome meeting usually scheduled in June. This is an opportunity for you to meet school staff and for us to share key information about our school and our Reception class with you. There will also be an opportunity for your family to sign up for a 'stay and play' session and a home visit. 

Stay and play session

Children and their parents are invited to join Reception staff for a 'stay and play' session usually held on a Saturday morning in early July. This is a great opportunity for your child to get to know the staff a little better and to spend some time investigating our indoor and outdoor area, with the support of their adults. 

Home visit

During the last few weeks of term, staff will come and visit you and your child at home. This is an opportunity for parents to ask any questions and for the Reception staff to gather all the important information we need to know about your child before they start school. 

Starting school in September - half days

For the first week of the new autumn term, children will attend for half-days only. Only half the class will be in school for each session and this will allow your child to settle into our new routines in smaller groups. If you are unsure whether your child is attending for a morning or afternoon session, please contact the school office. 

Morning session - 9:15 am to 11:15 am

Afternoon session - 1:20 pm to 3:00 pm

All children will start school full-time on the second week of the Autumn term.

Details of the above for each year will be shared in the starter packs which will be given out at the parent information evening or your home visit.