Transition

Starting School for the First Time - Foundation

Hockliffe's induction programme ensures that, when a child joins the school in Willow Class in September, they will be familiar with the setting and with the staff who will be working with them.

The programme includes:

Nursery Visits

The EYFS Lead will visit all new children in their nursery settings before the end of the summer term.

Stay and Play Sessions

The child and their parent/carers will be invited to spend part of the morning or afternoon in Willow Class, where they will familiarise themselves with the surroundings, layout and will meet the staff.

Staggered Start Dates

When a child joins Hockliffe in Willow Class, they begin with a staggered timetable, starting with mornings only and aiming to be in school full time the following week. This ensures that the pupils have a chance to settle in well during their first days at school.

Parents/carers who have applied for a place for their child in September 2024 will be contacted by the Schools Admissions Service at the end of April, as to whether their request for a full-time place has been successful. If the child’s birthday falls before 31st March, Hockliffe’s admissions policy allows the school to offer a morning only session at the school from April 2024. However, please be aware that if you are unsuccessful in gaining a full-time place in September 2024, the child will be required to leave the school in July 2024 and begin at a new school in the autumn term. Please consider the implications of the possibility of this happening to your child before accepting the morning only place in April.

If you have been contacted by Hockliffe and offered the morning sessions for your child, there will be an opportunity for them to spend time in the classroom with the teacher and other pupils. This will be on Wednesday 27 March 2024, 9.15am - 10.15am. Please bring your child’s birth certificate on this visit.

Please contact the school office or on 01525 210330 for further information.

We will then inform you of the further sessions in April and May 2024, to introduce your child gradually to their new school and for them to understand the expectations of school life.