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Whinfield Primary School

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Home / Year Groups / Reception / Starting School

Starting School

Starting School at Whinfield Primary September 2021

We know that starting school is an exciting time for all pupils and we will ensure that September 2021 is a happy and positive experience for all our families.

​We would usually welcome you to visit school during the summer term, to meet the reception team and  provided you with lots of reassuring information ready for your child’s first days at school, with the current situation we are unsure if  that will be possible this year.

September 2021 may be different to other years but we will ensure starting school is just as exciting for your child by changing the way we introduce ourselves. ​

This page is specifically for parents or carers of children starting with us for the first time in September 2021 to answer the many questions we know you will have around those first few days, such as: ​

  • What time will my child start school?
  •  Which gate will I use?
  •  What uniform will my child need?
  •  What lunch will be provided?

Meet Reception Staff

​We have three reception classes so lets meet the team of staff!

Miss Lindsey (Reception)
Miss Nixon (Reception)
Mrs Rowney (Reception)
Mrs Rissetto (Reception)

Mrs Murphy (Assistant HeadTeacher & Year 1)

Mrs Murphy is one of our Assistant Headteachers. She is the Team Leader for Reception and Year 1 classes.

Your Class Teacher should be able to answer your questions, although Mrs Murphy is also available to help you.

 

 

Getting Ready for Starting School

The Reception teachers have created a virtual tour video for you to share with your child showing areas of Whinfield so they are ready to start their adventure in September 2021.  Click here to view the video.

Frequently Asked Questions

What uniform does my child need?

Uniform is:

  • Grey trousers. skirt or pinafore
  • White polo shirt
  • Red sweatshirt or cardigan
  • sensible black shoes

​Uniform with our logo on can purchased but this is not necessary.

​Reception pupils also need wellies to be left in school for outdoor adventures every day.

School provides waterproofs for outdoor play.

What does my child need to bring with them?

On the first day:

  • Water Bottle
  • Book bag
  • Spare change of clothes

​From 13th September

  • Water Bottle
  • Book Bag
  • Spare change of clothes
  • Packed Lunch (if bringing own)
  • Wellies - to be left in school
  • PE Kit - to be worn each Wednesday for PE
What can I do to help prepare my child for school?

The best thing you can do is to teach your child to be independent.

How to put their coat on and off by themselves, including the zip or buttons.
How to dress and undress themselves so they can get ready for PE
How to to sit at the table for meals and eat with a knife and fork.

Click here to watch the virtual tour video of the Reception area. 

How much does school lunch cost?

School Lunch is provided free of charge to all reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils under the governments Universal Infant Free School Meals Scheme.

​School encourages and assumes all pupils will take their free school meal unless you notify us they will be bringing a packed lunch. Changes from school meal / packed lunch can only be half termly

However if you are entitled to a free school meal through the means tested scheme please notify the school office as school receives pupil premium funding to help your child achieve more whilst in school.

Free School Meals Form

Can my child bring a packed lunch?

Yes if you prefer not to receive a free school meal your child can bring their own cold packed lunch. Please see our guidelines here

Does my child need their PE kit on day one?

No your child will not need to wear their PE kit until Wednesday 16th September.

PE kit is

  • Red TShirt
  • Black Shorts
  • Black Jogging Bottoms (for outdoors in the winter)
  • Trainers (velcro fasten if possible)
When will my child need to bring a swimming costume?

Pupils do not go swimming until they are in Year 4 so no need to buy swimming kit just yet.

Which entrance will we use?

Reception pupils all enter and exit their classroom through the doors in the Key Stage 1 playground.

This playground can be accessed through the gates at the front of the school.

Toilets

Toilets are located in easy reach of our Reception classrooms as part fo our Reception unit. The children are able to take themselves to the toilet as they need. Please make sure your child wears clothes they can dress themselves in.

Does my child need a set of spare clothes?

Please send a spare set of underwear, tights, socks, skirt or trousers in your child's bag incase you child has an accident to enable staff to change them.

My child has additional needs what support and guidance will they receive?

All children are individual and progress at different rates. The reception team are highly skilled and work closely with Mrs Murray is our Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator where a child has a specific need.

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In this section

  • Reception
    • Starting School
  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3
  • Year 4
  • Year 5
  • Year 6
  • Nurture Room
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Whinfield Primary School
Augusta Close
Darlington
DL1 3HT

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Tel: 01325 240 499
Email: admin@whinfield.net

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