Reception Starters 2026
Welcome to Reception!
We are delighted that your child will be joining our Reception class in September 2026. Starting school is an exciting milestone, and we look forward to working closely with you to ensure your child's transition is happy, positive, and successful.
This page contains all the information, forms, and key dates you will need before your child starts school.
Welcome to Our School
Starting school is a significant step for both children and families. Throughout the summer term, we will provide opportunities for children and parents to become familiar with the school environment, meet staff, and learn more about life in Reception.
Our transition programme includes:
- Stay and Play sessions for children
- Parent information meetings
- Opportunities to meet Reception staff
- A Reception induction booklet
- Important forms and admissions information
Important Documents
Please complete the documents below before your child's start date.
Admissions Paperwork
Consent Forms
Intimate Care Documentation
Reception Transition Programme
Stay and Play Sessions
Children are invited to attend our Stay and Play sessions to become familiar with their new classroom, meet their classmates, and spend time with Reception staff.
Session 1
📅 Date: Monday 8th June
🕒 Time: 2pm - 3pm
Session 2
📅 Date: Monday 15th June
🕒 Time: 2pm - 3pm
Session 3
📅 Date: Monday 22nd June
🕒 Time: 2pm - 3pm
Session 4
📅 Date: Monday 29th June
🕒 Time: 2pm - 3pm
Session 5
📅 Date: Monday 6th July
🕒 Time: 2pm - 3pm
Session 6
📅 Date: Friday 10th July
🕒 Time: 1:15pm - 3pm
Drop off and collection will be via the main school office.
Parent Information Meeting
We strongly encourage all parents and carers to attend our Reception Information Evening.
📅 Date: Wednesday 1st July
🕒 Time: 2pm - 3pm
📍 Location: School Hall with Miss Woods and Mrs Brandebourg
During the meeting we will cover:
- Communication systems
- Uniform requirements
- Admission and Consent Forms
- Questions and answers
📅 Date: Tuesday 7th July
🕒 Time: 2:30pm - 3pm
📍 Location: EYFS Classroom with Mrs Snowden
During the meeting we will cover:
- The Reception curriculum
- Daily routines and expectations
- School readiness
- Lunches and snacks
- Starting arrangements in September
- Questions and answers
Presentation materials will be made available on this page following the meeting.
📄 Parent Information Presentation
September 2026 Induction Booklet
Our induction booklet contains everything you need to know about starting Reception, including routines, uniform information, curriculum details, attendance expectations, and helpful tips for preparing your child for school.
📘 Reception Induction Booklet – September 2026
School Readiness
Getting Ready for Reception
Starting school is an exciting milestone for children and families. Every child develops at their own pace, and there is no expectation that children will be able to read, write or complete formal academic tasks before they start Reception.
The most important skills for starting school are confidence, independence, communication and curiosity.
We encourage families to focus on everyday experiences that help children become confident learners and develop the independence needed for school life.
How Can I Help My Child Get Ready for School?
Encourage Independence
Practising everyday tasks at home can help children feel confident when they start school.
Your child may benefit from learning to:
- Put on and take off their coat.
- Fasten simple zips and buttons.
- Use the toilet independently.
- Wash and dry their hands.
- Blow their nose.
- Put away their belongings.
- Open lunch boxes, drinks bottles and snack containers.
- Use a knife, fork and spoon.
Develop Communication Skills
Talking with your child is one of the most powerful ways to support their learning.
You can help by:
- Reading together every day.
- Singing songs and nursery rhymes.
- Sharing stories and discussing pictures.
- Encouraging your child to ask questions.
- Taking turns in conversations.
- Helping them talk about their feelings and experiences.
Strong communication skills help children build friendships, develop confidence and access learning. Research and early years specialists highlight the importance of everyday conversations and shared activities in supporting children's language development.
Support Social Skills
Children do not need to have perfect social skills before starting school, but it is helpful if they can begin to:
- Share and take turns.
- Listen to simple instructions.
- Join in with group activities.
- Ask for help when needed.
- Manage short periods away from parents and carers.
- Play cooperatively with other children.
Establish Healthy Routines
Regular routines help children feel secure and prepared for school life.
Before September, try to establish:
- Consistent bedtimes and wake-up times.
- Regular mealtimes.
- Opportunities for outdoor play and exercise.
- Time for stories and quiet activities.
- Opportunities to tidy up and take responsibility for simple tasks.
Children often find transitions easier when they are familiar with predictable daily routines.
What Children Do Not Need Before Starting School
Please do not worry if your child cannot:
- Read books independently.
- Write sentences.
- Count to large numbers.
- Complete worksheets.
- Sit still for long periods.
Reception staff are trained to support children from their individual starting points. We provide a play-based curriculum that develops skills gradually throughout the year.
Recommended Resources for Parents
BBC Tiny Happy People
A free resource full of expert advice, videos and activities to support children's language, communication and early development.
Tiny Happy People offers practical ideas that can be built into everyday family life and is specifically designed to support children from birth to age five.
CBeebies
Fun educational games, stories, songs and activities that support early learning through play.
🔗 CBeebies Parents and Children Resources
Preparing for School with CBeebies
Advice and practical ideas for helping children prepare for school and nursery.
🔗 Preparing for School or Nursery – CBeebies Parents Guide
Contact the Reception Team
If you have any questions about your child's transition to school, please contact us:
📧 admin@frogwell.wilts.sch.uk
📞 01249 652815
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our school community.