Norton Fitzwarren Church School

EYFS New Starters

We are delighted that you have chosen our school for your child. At Norton Fitzwarren Church School, we are committed to ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition from home or nursery into school life. We truly look forward to getting to know all our new families, as well as reconnecting with those already part of our community.

We would like to invite you and your child to a New Parent Session on either Tuesday 2nd June at 3.30pm or Thursday 4th June at 3,30pm. This will provide you with an opportunity to meet the teaching staff and have a look around the EYFS setting.

At the meeting, we will share key information about your child’s transition into school. We will provide you with the opportunity to sign up for Stay and Play sessions for your child on the following dates: Monday 29th June, Tuesday 30th June, & Wednesday 1st July all at 3.30pm as well as a home visit which will be attended by members of the teaching staff during weeks beginning 6th & 13th July.

Which class will my class be in?

Our reception children are spread over 2 classes:

Sycamore Class a straight Reception class and Ash Class a mixed Reception and Year 1 class.

Your child will be allocated a class for September. During the first few weeks we will monitor how they are settling in so class allocation could be subject to change.

When will my child start school?
All children will attend school for the following sessions.

Friday 4th September: 8.35 - 11.45

Week beginning 7th September: 8.35 - 1.15 (includes lunch)

Week beginning 14th September: 8.35 - 3.15 (all day)

What if my child has additional needs?

If your child needs additional support to settle into Reception, make sure you share as much information as possible with their new teacher.. We can work with you to find strategies to support your child.
Summer born children, or those speaking English as an additional language (EAL) may need more support.
If you know or suspect your child has suspected or confirmed special educational needs (SEND), developmental differences or delays, some of these skills may not be achievable for them at this point.
Early support makes a big difference – ask your child’s nursery, school, health visitor, local children’s centre or family hub for help. Our pastoral support team are always available to contact through the school office. They are Mr James Smith (SENDCO) and Mrs Gemma Hill (Pastoral Support ).

A helpful starter to teaching phonics in reception

Please feel free to watch the videos below, they will help you develop an understanding of how we teach phonics in the early stages.

Here is an introduction to how your child will start their reading journey.

What is Read Write Inc Phonics?Understanding Phonics How to say the sounds

Sound-blending