Starting School at Little Common

Welcome

We are delighted that your child will be joining Little Common School, and we very much look forward to getting to know your family over the coming months.

Starting school is an important milestone, and we aim to make this a positive and reassuring experience for both children and parents.

You can read more about our school and our approach here → Headteacher's Welcome

Starting School – What to Expect

Starting school is an exciting milestone, and we aim to make this a positive, calm and reassuring experience for both children and parents.

We recognise that every child responds differently to this transition. Some will come in confidently from the first day, while others may take a little longer. Both are entirely normal, and we will support each child at the pace they need.

First Days
Children are gently introduced to their classroom, routines and new environment. Our priority is to help them feel happy, secure and confident as they become familiar with their new environment

Arrival and Drop-off
Children are dropped off at their classroom door each morning, where they will be greeted by their teacher and familiar adults. This provides a calm and positive start to the day and gives you the opportunity to share any brief messages.

We encourage clear and confident goodbyes, which help children settle quickly and begin their day with confidence.

Collection
At the end of the day, children are collected from the classroom door. Staff will ensure a safe and calm handover each day.

Timings
The Reception school day follows a clear and predictable structure:

Arrival: 8:30 – 8:50 (staggered to support a calm start)
Registration: 8:55
Lunchtime: 11:45 – 12:45
End of day: 3:00 – 3:15 (staggered to support safe collection, including siblings)

Children quickly become familiar with these routines, which helps them feel secure and ready to learn.

Settling In
It is completely normal for children to take time to settle into school life. Our staff are experienced in supporting this and will work closely with you if your child needs a little extra reassurance or time.

Working Together
Starting school works best when there is strong communication between home and school. Please do talk to us if you have any worries or questions — we are here to help and will always work with you to ensure your child feels happy and secure.

The School Day

Our Reception day provides a balance of routine, learning and play. This helps children feel secure while giving them opportunities to explore, develop and build confidence.

A typical day includes:

A calm and welcoming start
Focused learning time
Opportunities for play and exploration
Time to come together for stories and reflection

Learning Through Play
Much of the day is based around purposeful play, alongside short adult-led activities. Children learn both indoors and outdoors, following their interests as well as structured learning.

Outdoor Learning
Regular outdoor access supports physical development, independence and confidence, as well as offering further learning opportunities.

Lunchtime
Lunchtime is a positive and social part of the day, where children are supported to develop independence and feel comfortable and settled.

Learning in Reception

Children learn through a balance of structured teaching and purposeful play, helping them to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.

Early Reading and Phonics – Daily sessions build early reading skills and confidence
Mathematics – Practical activities develop understanding of number and early problem-solving
Communication and Language – Strong focus on speaking and listening
Personal, Social and Emotional Development – Supporting children to feel safe, confident and ready to learn

Practical Information

A few simple routines help children settle quickly:

Independence and Personal Care
Children develop independence at different rates, and we understand that starting school is a big step. Staff will support children as they learn school routines, manage their belongings, use the toilets, wash their hands and become more confident with everyday tasks.

If your child needs additional support with toileting, personal care or independence, please talk to us before they start so that we can work with you and ensure the right support is in place.

Uniform
Children wear a uniform which helps them to feel part of the school community.

For full details, including items and suppliers, please visit our Uniform Information page.

PE and Clothing

Children wear their PE kits to school on PE days
Coats should be brought daily, as we use outdoor spaces in most weather
A pair of wellies are essential items as we play outdoors all year round

Lunch
Children may bring a packed lunch or choose to have a school meal.

Many families choose to take up the universal free school meal offer, which provides a relaxed, social lunchtime experience and a range of healthy choices.

If your child prefers a packed lunch, we ask that it supports healthy eating and is clearly named.

For full details about meals, menus and how the system works, please visit our School Meals page and our food policy for packed lunches.

Water Bottles
Children should bring a named water bottle to school each day.

This should contain water only
Bottles will be kept in the classroom and accessible throughout the day

Naming Belongings
Please ensure all clothing and belongings are clearly named to support independence

Parking and Access
Our school site does not have parking available for parents and carers. We encourage families, where possible, to walk to school or park a short distance away and enjoy the approach together.

The pay and display car park in Little Common is free during drop-off and collection times (08:15–09:15 and 14:45–15:45, term time only), which some families find helpful.

Alternatively, St Mark’s Church kindly allows parents to use their car park at drop-off and collection times. We are grateful for their support, and ask that cars are moved promptly to ensure spaces are available for parishioners.

To keep everyone safe, we kindly ask that parents do not drive up the school driveway from Shepherds Close and park considerately in the local area, particularly at busy times. We are grateful for your support in helping us look after our whole school community.

Medical Needs and Appointments
For information about medicines, medical needs and appointments, please visit our Medicine, Appointments & Family Wellbeing page

Wraparound Care
For information about our before and after school provision, including booking and arrangements, please visit our Wraparound Care page

Communication with School

Clear and open communication between home and school is very important to us. We want parents to feel informed, supported and confident that any questions or concerns will be dealt with promptly.

The School Office
The school office is the first point of contact for most queries.

Messages can be passed on to class teachers where needed
The office team will respond or direct your enquiry appropriately

Speaking to Staff
Class teachers are always happy to speak with parents at appropriate times.

Brief messages can be shared at the beginning or end of the day
Longer conversations can be arranged if needed

Keeping Us Informed
Please let us know about anything that may affect your child’s day.

Changes to collection arrangements should be communicated clearly
It is helpful to include dates and key details where relevant

Working Together
We believe that positive communication supports children’s wellbeing and progress. If you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch — we are here to help.

Attendance

Good attendance is an important part of helping children to feel settled, build friendships and make strong progress in their learning.

Starting school is a significant step, and we recognise that some children may need a short period of adjustment. Regular attendance from the beginning helps children to feel confident and become part of the school community.

Working Together
We work closely with families to support good attendance and will always approach this in a supportive and understanding way.

If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance, please do talk to us — we are here to help.

Illness and Absence
If your child is unwell or unable to attend school, please contact the school office on the first morning of absence so that we know they are safe.

If you are unsure whether your child should attend, please contact us for advice. We understand that children can become unwell, particularly when they are new to school, and we will always work with families in a supportive and understanding way.

Further Information
For full details about attendance expectations and procedures, please visit our Attendance Information page.

Next Steps

We will guide you through each stage of the transition process so that both you and your child feel well prepared and confident when school begins.

Before Your Child Starts

You will have opportunities to become familiar with the school, meet staff and ask any questions you may have. These initial experiences are designed to help children feel comfortable and settled ahead of their first day.

Getting Ready for School
As your child’s start approaches, we will share key information about routines and expectations to ensure you feel clear about how the school day works.

Staying in Touch
All important information will be communicated directly to families at the appropriate time.

If you have any questions at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact us — we are always happy to help.