Starting School

Starting school is a huge step for both you and your child. 

At Hatfeild we aim to make this a positive experience, where your child will enjoy a nurturing and stimulating environment to learn. We value our parents and carers and believe it is essential to have a good relationship with you in order to make the settling in process as smooth for your child as possible. We know that parents and carers are experts in their children and you play a fundamental role in your child's attitude towards learning and school. 

We welcome parents to come and see us as we strongly believe that your child's education is a partnership between home and school. 

How can you help your child to be school-ready?

Social interaction is an essential part of early learning. You can help your child by encouraging them to share, take turns, be polite, listen to others and be helpful with jobs. 

When children are able to manage simple personal tasks, they are less anxious about starting school and settle more easily. Here are some things you can do to help your child be ready for school:

• Dress and undress themselves; doing up buttons, zips and velcro fasteners on shoes
• Manage changing shoes
• Know how to ask to go to the toilet - remember the routine for washing their hands
• Tidy up equipment for themselves
• Encourage your child to speak clearly and talk in sentences where possible
• Take time to share books with your child - go to the library. Talk about what you are reading

How can you help us?

• Ensure that all contact information is up to date
• Make sure that we are aware of any medical problems
• Let us know immediately if your child is absent
• Let us know if you have a change in home circumstances - this information will be kept confidential
• Make sure your child is in school on time every day
• Send your child into school in the correct school uniform
• Ensure that reading books are returned to school so they can be changed regularly
• Make sure that everything is named clearly
• If there is a change in the person collecting your child, please let us know!