Applying to join in Early Years
All applications will be carefully considered on receipt of a completed Application Form (which can be found in the back of the booklet "Additional Information 2009-10" in the new prospectus pack or downloaded by clicking here) and payment of the Registration Fee.
Entry to school is normally in September at the start of the academic year, though admission at other times may be possible, subject to places being available. The offer of a place will depend upon satisfactory reports being received from the applicant's present school (where applicable) and a satisfactory assessment (see below).
Early Years:
The majority of our boys and girls join us at 3 years of age in the Nursery class. There is also an entry at Reception (4 years) and places may also be available in Years 1 and 2.
Places in Nursery are allocated in order of registration. Before a place is confirmed, a child will visit the Nursery for a morning session so that we can make sure they are ready to enjoy all the opportunities we offer. We also make an informal assessment of their readiness to play and learn harmoniously with others. While children are completing this informal assessment, there is ample opportunity for parents to stay for refreshments and have a relaxed discussion with the staff of the Early Years Department about any concerns they may have about their child adjusting to school.
Once a place has been confirmed, children then enjoy coming to our pre-entry sessions. These sessions help our youngest children to become familiar with the setting and confident to be left when term begins. Again, parents are welcome to chat to staff during these sessions to enable us to gain a clear picture of each child as an individual and their initial needs.
Usually, children joining our Nursery class do so on a part-time basis at first - for mornings only. The exact arrangements can be discussed prior to joining and will depend very much on the individual and the maturity of the child in coping with the academic and social demands of school.
Children joining at 4 years old or above will spend a morning or a day in school so that we can assess their progress in Literacy and Numeracy thus far. We also take account of their general attitude to learning and their consideration of others. In this way, we hope to ensure that all children can enjoy their time in school together, and progress to the best of their ability. Whilst our standards and expectations are high, we nevertheless have children with a wide spread of abilities and talents and we aim to provide appropriate challenge for them all.
