Starting Nursery or Reception
Stay and Play Sessions for new Nursery and Reception children
Nursery Stay and Play sessions take place in the July or December prior to your child starting Nursery. These are so that we can tell you more about what happens in Hillside Nursery and it is also an opportunity for you and your child to get to know the staff members in the Nursery setting.
Reception have Stay and play sessions in the July prior to your child starting Reception in September. This is so your child gets to experience the Reception area and meet the staff. It also allows staff to find out more about your child.
A Nursery place does not guarantee entry into Reception at Hillside Infant School, most children do move into the Reception class and continue through Hillside Infant and Hillside Junior school.
Starting Nursery in September or January
We start Nursery by your child coming in for a settling in period so that your child for part of the session. This session gives your child an understanding of how the day is organised, to get to know the staff members and also feel comfortable in the learning environment.
The next time you come will normally be for the full session (morning, afternoon or all day) however, due to all children being individuals some need a more gradual approach. We will discuss this with you to make sure you are happy and confident with the arrangement.
Starting Reception in September
Children start Reception by coming for half a day to start with. After 2 half days they then will stay for lunchtime also. Lunchtime can be daunting with a new environment and routine to follow. After 3 days of mornings and lunchtimes your child will be in Reception fulltime. The settling in sessions give your child an understanding of how the day is organised, to get to know the staff members and also feel comfortable in the learning environment.
Some children require a more gradual approach. We will discuss this with you to make sure you are happy and confident with the arrangement.