Welcome to Horton Mill Primary school to all our new families.
Moving to Reception is a very exciting and important time for yourself and your child. We have put together this page to answer regularly asked questions. If you have something else you would like to ask please contact us at info@hortonmill.oldham.sch.uk
Who will be my child’s class teacher and teaching assistant?
Mrs Reilly Mrs Chaudry
When will my child start Reception?
During the next few weeks you will receive a letter informing you of how we will arrange this years transition following Government Guidelines.
Does my child have to wear a uniform everyday?
The children do wear a school uniform and have a PE Kit. Please press this link for more details.School uniform
Please make sure you write your child’s name on all items of their clothing they wear to school.
Please ensure your child comes to school with a warm coat and sensible shoes. In cold weather, please send your child with a hat, gloves and a scarf. In hot weather, please send them with a hat, a cap or protection for the head. In wet weather, we will still go outside but the children will wear waterproofs. Please send a pair of wellies to be kept in school for your child to wear.
For safety purposes, please ensure your child is not wearing any jewelry.
On their birthday they can come to school in their own clothes.
Where do I drop off and pick up my child?
Your child will need to be picked up and dropped off at the Reception door by one parent. Please follow the markings painted on the ground.
What times are the school day?
School starts at 8.45am
and finishes at 3.00pm
Do I have to pay for my child’s school dinner?
All children in Reception are provided with a free school dinner.
You can send a packed lunch. Please speak to the class teacher, if this is what you wish to do.
Will my child be given snacks and drinks during the school day?
Your child will receive a carton of milk and one piece of fruit or vegetable each day.
Please send a bottle of water with your child’s name on each day. They will be able to drink the water when they are thirsty.
Please do not send juice or fizzy pop.
What will my child learn?
We ensure that the curriculum we offer meets the needs of the developing child. We use the Early Years Outcomes as a guide to inform the curriculum. This focuses on helping them to develop the skills in the three prime areas and four specific areas of learning both indoors and outdoors.
Prime Areas:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Physical Development
Communication and Language
Specific Areas:
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
How will they be taught?
Your child will receive a daily Phonics, Reading, Literacy and Maths session.
We also use a challenge curriculum where we ask questions and then do activities to help answer them.
You will receive a Newsletter at the beginning of each half term letting you know what your child is being taught. This will help you talk to your child about what they are learning in school.
They will have adult led activities inside and outdoors.
They will also take part in child chosen activities inside and outdoors.
Where possible we try to give them first hand experiences.
They will also take part in lots of exciting activities.
What will my child’s learning areas look like?
Please the link below:
I am worried my child may get upset.
Children vary greatly in their response to starting school. This is common and natural and we will always be on hand to support you and your child.
How can I be involved?
We see parent involvement as essential. We will run a parent event every half term which we will invite you to.
There will be a parents meeting in Autumn and Spring and you will receive a report of your child’s progress in Summer.
How can I help my child to be ready for school?
Starting Reception can feel a very big change for your child. Helping them feel ready will help them to settle more quickly. Talking about starting school in a positive way, attending transition meetings and visits and helping your child become more independent will all help to make this transition easier. Please see the links below for ideas of ways to help develop the skills your child will need.
Skills that would help my child to be school ready
Ideas for parents at home- 3-5 yr olds