Supporting your child through life's big transitions
Before the age of five, children go through many transitions. Every day brings new experiences and discoveries. Even the smallest changes, things we might take for granted can be big challenges for our children: getting dressed, going outside, eating lunch, taking a bath, brushing teeth, or going to bed.
Young children thrive on familiar routines. So, when bigger changes come along, like the arrival of a new baby, moving house, starting at a preschool, nursery, or childminder, or one day going to primary school, it's important to understand how these changes affect them and how we can best support them.
Starting school in Southend-on-Sea
By law, all parents must make sure their children receive a full-time education by the start of the term following their fifth birthday. This is known as ‘compulsory school age'. However, parents are entitled to a full-time school place from the September after their child's fourth birthday. It's a big step for both of you and being prepared can really help. Here are some things you can do:
- Contact schools and arrange visits during the autumn term before applications are due (the deadline for making an on-time application will be in the following January). Schools often offer dates for new parent/ carer tours. Look at their websites to find out when these are happening and book your places. If none are advertised give them a ring or drop them an email in autumn once school is back and they've had a few weeks to settle their new children.
- Use these visits to get a feel for how each school operates and what they offer for example breakfast and after school clubs, or how their classrooms are set up and the various indoor and outdoor spaces available. You may also wish to ask questions around the schools SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision.
- Gather information from open days and school websites.
Once you have visited schools, you need to apply for your child's place online. The primary school admissions page will have everything you need to know as well as links to the city's school websites where you will find lots more information and begin to get a feel for the schools.
Please note that all applications must be made within the time frame given. The admissions team at Southend City Council complete this work - so schools are unable to answer questions relating to your application, the progress of it or if you do not get the school of your choice.
It can be tempting just to apply for one school if you have a favourite – however it is important to choose more than one. You can name up to three preferred school choices and it is recommended that three are chosen. Some parents/carers assume because their child is in the school nursery they will automatically get a reception place in the same school. You must still apply for a reception place and even then, you are not guaranteed a place within that school. Schools have their own criteria for allocating places which include factors such as living in the catchment area or having other children within the school amongst other things.
It is important for you to understand how your application for a school place will be processed. Full details on the admissions process will be published on the admissions webpage by September of the year before your child is due to start school.
Parents will be advised which school they have been allocated on National Offer Day which will be on or around 16th April, depending which day it falls on. This is when you will find out which school your child will be joining. Once school places have been offered, there may be a short wait before you hear from your child's new school. This is completely normal. Schools have established transition procedures and will be in touch in due course to explain the next steps and enrolment paperwork. Many schools offer a range of events and activities to help children (and their families) to feel confident, happy and ready for this exciting next step. These may include:
- Visits to the school: Schools will invite you and your child to come and visit the new class and meet their new teachers. Many schools now have virtual tours to watch at home together to help your child become more familiar with their new surroundings and encourage them to talk about starting school. These may be on their websites.
- Setting visits: Your child's teachers from their new school may visit their early years setting, so that they can meet your child's keyperson to discuss their transition, join your child in their play, share stories and get to know them before they start school. If they cannot visit your child's setting they will get in touch with them in other ways, such as via the phone, email or perhaps attending meetings together to discuss transition arrangements.
- Stay and play sessions: Most schools will offer play sessions and activities, offering you the chance to experience a little flavour of early years learning. Family lunches: School lunches are a new experience for many children, perhaps in a large hall, with new smells and new tastes. Some schools will invite you for a lunchtime. Why not join your child for a lovely lunch experience helping them to feel more confident about lunch time!
- Home visits: Some schools offer home visits. These visits are to get to know you and your child in the familiar setting of their home. Families will sometimes worry their house may not be tidy- this really is not what the home visit is about. It's all about connection and building relationships to support your child to feel more confident when they join school!
- Getting to know your way around: Before your child starts school, walk to the school together, noticing the things you see on the way and talking about their school together perhaps the signs you see there, the school badge that might be on their uniform, the things they are excited to do, e.g. playing in the playground.