Thank you for choosing our school. We are very excited to start your child’s journey into school with you.

We know starting school is big change for children, and their grownups. At Eling we believe that starting school should be a smooth process and not a daunting event.

We have put together this page with some information, some videos for parents to watch, and some for families to watch together, to reassure you and give you the information you need, alongside the information sent directly to you.

If you have any questions, please get in contact with us via the school office.

Pattern of Entry to School

We have worked hard to develop a pattern of entry that we have found works well to settle children into our school. The details will be emailed to all new starters in May.

Welcome to Eling (May)

A session in the school hall, where all families can come along, meet the staff and find out about what goes on in the school. The teachers will be there, there will be a chance to meet our SENCO, staff from our wrap around care and some of our Governors. There will also be other organisiations who support the school, such as the school nursing team, the library, and youth and families matter. This will be a chance to meet the staff and ask any initial questions.  

Visits to Preschools and Nurseries (May and Early June)

Staff will visit preschools and nurseries to talk to staff and get to know the children in a familiar environment.

Transition Sessions (June and July)

They are a chance for the children to come into school, meet the Year R team, play with their new friends and familiarise themselves with the school.

Meet the Teacher (September)

These sessions are an opportunity for you to tell us more about your child and to ask any remaining questions that you may have.  We like to take a picture of you with your child to keep in their school drawer, as this can be a big comfort to them in their first few weeks. You and your child will meet with the teacher on a 1:2:1 basis for around 20 minutes.

Induction Sessions (September)

These are morning sessions in the classroom with the Year R team in September. Each child will attend with a small group of classmates, and be introduced to some of the school routines.

The First Day of School (September)

The children all start school together!

The Starfish team

In Year R this year the children will be in Starfish class with Mrs Quinn, Mr McElhenny and Mrs Nye.

Mrs Quinn says  “I love singing and watching musical shows. Starfish class is the place to be because we always try to be the best team.”

Mr McElhenny says “I love all sports, especially cricket. I am looking forwards to counting and playing sports with Starfish Class”

Mrs Nye says “I love walking by the sea and curling up with a good book at home. At school I love to read stories with my class.”

The children will also be supported by a number of Teaching Assistants, including Miss Mott who is our Emotional Literacy Support Assistant and Mrs Donnelly.

Eling Bear Starts School Book and Starfish Booklet

Please see the downloads section for our social story about Eling Bear starting school for families to read together, and a welcome to Starfish booklet with more information about Starfish Class.

For more information about helping children be ready to start school, please follow the link below.