Starting School - September 2026

Welcome to Hampton College Primary

Sending your child to school is always a big step and we are delighted that your child will be joining us at Hampton College in September. We are pleased to be welcoming you, your child and your family into our school community. Below you will find all of the information and documentation you require.

The New Intake booklet will give you key information about starting school in September, and the handy checklist on the website will guide you through the various documents and forms that you should read, or will need to complete, before your child starts school.

We are planning to run a series of transition events, at school, before September. These will help to prepare you and your child for their reception year and we hope that you are able to join in with these events.

Our school website, and our newsletters, are a good source of information about our school, so please feel free to browse our website at your leisure. Please also follow us on Facebook.

Once again, a very warm welcome to Hampton College Primary and we look forward to meeting you all later in the year.

• General Information

  Please find below links to useful information for getting your child ready for school:

  • Term dates
  • School uniform
  • Meet the team
  • Positive behaviour
  • Out of School Care - Vivacity
  • What to expect...when?
  • Helping children cope with change

   

  What will I need to complete and return?

  We are completing all our forms online.  To access the forms, please click on the links provided which are the headings for each section below.   If you have any concerns about completing these forms please contact the school office on 01733 246821 or by emailing primary@hamptoncollege.org.uk

   

  You must accept your place via the Peterborough City Council website and upload the required documentation on their portal.  Please also email us at primary@hamptoncollege.org.uk to confirm acceptance of your place.

   

  All school place offers are conditional until proof of address has been confirmed by the school.  We will require the following proof to be uploaded on the admission form before your child can be admitted to Hampton College Primary Phase:

  1) Proof of where you (the parent/carer) live

  2) Proof that the child lives with you (the parent/carer)

  3) Proof of the child’s date of birth (e.g. Passport or Birth Certificate)

   

  Further information regarding documentation which can be provided as proof of address is available via this link.

   

  Pupil Collection Permission Form

  This form must be completed for all Reception children and returned to the school office by emailing primary@hamptoncollege.org.uk.  The form details the adults who may collect your child from school and it also has a space for you to list any adults who must not collect your child from school. 

   

  Finally we ask you to provide a memorable password which should be shared with any adults who may collect your child from school to ensure that we only dismiss children to approved adults.

   

  Home School Agreement

  This document sets out our expectations of how the school staff, parents/carers and children should work together in partnership to provide the best possible education for our pupils.  Please discuss this document with your child, sign it and return it to the school.  We will photocopy it for your child’s school file and return a copy for you to keep.

   

  Tapestry Online Learning Journal

  In reception we use Tapestry to record observations of the children, with your agreement we can create you an account which allows you to upload observations that you make of your child at home along with seeing some of what your child has been doing at school. 

   

  Cool milk

  If you would like your child to receive milk at snack time please register your child at www.coolmilk.co.uk

• How can I support my child?

  Is my child ready to start school?

  Four year olds are as different from each other as adults are and not every four year old will be ready to go to school.   This should not be viewed as a reflection on your child or yourself.   There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ four year old; they are all at different stages of development.  

   

  Does my child have to begin full time? 

  Your child will start school in September on a part-time basis in the first instance.  This will help the children to settle into their new school routines, including meeting their teachers and teaching assistants, adapting to life in their new classrooms and outdoor area and getting to know their new classmates.  Some of you may have doubts as to whether your child should begin school on a full time basis after this or whether part-time only would be more appropriate.  The change from three to four pre-school sessions to five full days at school is a big step for any four year old.  It may be that five half-days may be more productive for some children.  If you or the class teacher feels that your child is not ready for full time schooling after their transitional period, then a part time option can be explored.  If this is felt to be the case, it will be a decision discussed and agreed by the parents/carers and the class teacher together, in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team.

  
  Why all the fuss?  They are only starting school.

  By the age of four, those children who have been attending pre-school or nursery may be bursting with confidence.  They will have learned many important social,  manipulative, language and matching skills and will be well equipped to start their Reception year at primary school.  However, if the transfer to school is not handled carefully and sensitively, this confidence may disappear and the child might suffer a setback in what should have been a natural and positive process.  It is very important to each child that we, as parents/carers and teachers, make their start to school a smooth and happy one.  We want each child to come willingly and happily to school.  They will be unable to do this if too much pressure is put upon them before they start.  It is important to avoid saying things like “you’ll be able to read and write soon now you’re starting school” as this can make children feel anxious.  It is very easy for young children to acquire fears and misconceptions.  Some children can start school expecting to be able to read after their first day, while others worry about what will happen if they can’t learn to read.  
   

  The first few weeks at school

  We would like your child to settle into school life and the routines at Hampton College Primary as quickly and happily as possible, therefore we would appreciate your support in establishing routines as early as possible.  We have found the following strategies have benefited children and parents in the past: 

  • Dropping your child off on time allows them to come into the classroom feeling relaxed and ready for the day’s activities. 
  • Leaving your child in our care as soon as they have settled enables your child to begin their morning’s activities and build relationships with their peers and school staff.  It is surprising how quickly the most distressed child settles after their parents/carers have left.  
  • Arriving at school at least five minutes before the end of your child’s session to collect your child promptly. 
  • Talking to your child about their day and being as encouraging as possible, Tapestry is a fantastic resource for this.  
  • Sharing any concerns you may have with your school staff as soon as possible – we operate an ‘open door’ policy at Hampton College Primary and we are always willing to discuss any queries or concerns you may have. 
  • Ensuring that all your child’s clothing and personal belongings, e.g. shoes, water bottle, book bag are clearly labelled with your child’s name.  This will ensure that any misplaced items are returned to your child as quickly as possible and therefore minimise their distress.  

   

  What does my child need to take to school?

  Please ensure that EVERYTHING that is brought into school is named.

   

  Every day

  Every day your child should bring the following items to school:

  • Book bag (these shall be provided in September once all forms have been returned)
  • Reading book (these will be issued during the autumn term)
  • Water bottle
  • Lunchbox (for children who are not going to have a school lunch)
  • Appropriate outdoor clothing - coat, hat, gloves, scarf and wellies in winter; sun hat and sunglasses in the summer

  Keep in school

  We would advise that children keep the following items in school at all times:

  • A bag of spare clothes (including spare underwear, spare clothes should be replaced as and when they are used) these do not need to be school uniform.
  • Wellington boots for outdoor use.
  • PE kit (the Reception staff will notify you when PE sessions will begin later in the Reception year)

   

• The School Day

  A typical school day

  Our school day starts at 8.55am however our gates open at 8.35am, with the classroom doors opening at 8.40am. 

   

  At 8.55am the register is called and children are asked what they would like for dinner.  All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a universal free school meal; this can be a hot dinner or school sandwiches.  Cucina, our school caterers, cook a fantastic variety of food for the children; their current menus can be found on the school website and in the school newsletter.  Each morning the children will discuss the menu options and then choose what they would like for dinner.  Some parents want to ensure that their children eat a hot dinner at school, if this is the case please mention this during your home visit and your child’s class teacher will ensure that this is chosen.  Of course if you would prefer to send your child into school with a packed lunch you can.  We promote healthy eating and are a nut-free school. 

   

  During our morning carpet session the children take part in a daily Little Wandle phonics session and will begin to explore English through 'Pathways to Write' from the spring term.  Children are then given a period of continuous provision. During this time they can explore, investigate, create, practise and refine their chosen skills with their friends whilst the adults observe, scaffold and join in.  Throughout the morning the children have access to a snack (a piece of fruit that is provided by the government for all children in reception and KS1).  During snack time children can opt to have some milk.  This is provided through Cool Milk.  Parents must sign up to this through their website https://www.coolmilk.com/.  For children under 5 the milk is provided free of charge once you have registered; for children over 5 there is a charge.    Towards the end of the morning children take part in a maths and literacy session.  They will also complete three Little Wandle Reading Practice sessions with an adult throughout the week.  Please see our Little Wandle phonics programme for further information.

   

  At 12.00noon the children will go to the hall for lunch.  At the beginning of the year the children then come back to the reception setting to play, however as they move throughout the year they will go onto the playground to play with the rest of the school.  At 1.00pm the children register for the afternoon session.  We then have a carpet session based on the week’s learning, followed by continuous provision.

   

  At the end of the day the children have a Cosy Club session where they share a story with the adults in the setting before getting ready for home time.  Our school gates open at 3.15pm and school finishes at 3.25pm.  All reception children are dismissed from the Red Apple classroom.  Please note - in accordance with EYFS safeguarding requirements we must have written consent for the adults who can collect your child/ren whilst they are in reception.  If we are unsure, we will always check.  Please be patient with us if dismissing takes a little longer than anticipated whilst we ensure that these safeguarding procedures are followed.

   

   

  Where will my child work and play?

  The Foundation Stage is made up of two stimulating learning environments, which all children can freely negotiate; the indoor classrooms and the garden.  In the classrooms there is a strong emphasis on creativity and expressive arts, investigation and exploration of the world around us, Literacy and numeracy and children are taught phonics and mathematics every day.  Outside, children are able to access all areas of the Foundation Stage curriculum.  We are strong advocates of a child’s right to play, and as such, delight in observing and challenging children to grow as independent, motivated and critical thinkers.

  Typical areas around the setting may be:

  Indoors

  • The construction area
  • The loose part area
  • The book corner
  • The craft table
  • The theatre / shop / doctor’s / travel agent (role play)
  • The writing area

  Outdoors

  • Bats, balls, hoops and ropes
  • Bikes and scooters
  • Sand tray
  • Water area
  • Gravel pit
  • Garden area
  • Storyteller chair
  • Mark making den
  • Eco kitchen
  • Role play area
  • Tyre obstacle course

   

  Who will work and play with my child?

  Throughout the day the adults in reception work as a team.  Together they ensure the welfare and safety of children in the setting is nurtured.  During periods of continuous provision they play with the children, listening, reacting and scaffolding to what is happening in the classroom that day.  As a group the adults take part in regular continuous professional development to ensure that their interactions are of high quality and they grasp teachable moments.

   

  As a group the adults regularly reflect on the children's learning with each other and the children, this allows for activities to be planned for based on the children's interests and developmental needs.  These activities may be adult directed, where children are asked to come and complete a set activity with an adult or learning invitations set up throughout continuous provision for adults and children to access together at their choice. 

   

  All adults work together to deliver short inputs for the children at set times of the day, this enables children to have a strong understanding of the structure in school.  The times of these inputs stay the same throughout the year to ensure children continue to have a feeling of safety in the knowledge of their timetable however the content and duration will change with the children's needs. Whilst all adults work together in the setting they all have their own areas of expertise, these are used to ensure the very best environment for your child. 

   

  Our group of adults consist of teachers and TAs, your child will be put into a class - the Red Apple class or Green Apple class for administrative purposes and to support initial relationship building.  The EYFS framework states that each child in reception must have a 'key worker', your child's class teacher will be your child's key worker.  However we know that relationships are built on mutual likes, interests and dislikes, as the children become comfortable in the setting they may build stronger relationships with different adults.  As these relationships come to fruition we shall nurture and develop these, developing an ethos of showing respect to everyone around us however knowing who our special people are and knowing we are able to go to them when we need help, nurture and support. 

   

  All adults will make observations and provide professional judgement whilst assessments are made, your child's class teacher will be responsible for conducting parents evenings and writing end of year reports. 

   

  Lunchtimes

  Lunchtime for Reception children is from 12.00noon until 1.00pm.  In the early days, our Reception children will go into the hall for lunch early (from 11.45am) and some of the older children will go into the hall with our new Reception children and assist them with collecting their cutlery, getting their meal and tidying away after they have eaten.  

   
  Cucina Menu Options

  Cucina, our school catering providers, serve hot and cold options in our primary phase hall on a daily basis.  There are always meat and vegetarian options available and we cater for children with special dietary requirements, food intolerances or allergies - please ask at the school office for further details and ensure any dietary information regarding your child is included on our admission form.   The current Cucina menu is available on our website.  During the morning register the children talk about the menu options for that day and are asked to choose their meal, we believe that this increases great independence in our children and promotes children to try new foods.  However, some parents want their children to have their hot meal at school, if this is the cases please speak to your child’s class teacher.

  
  Free School Meals

  From September 2014, as part of a new Government initiative, all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to Universal Free School Meals.  A main meal, dessert and drink will be provided every day with a meat or vegetarian option.  For those parents/carers on a low income who are entitled to claim for Pupil Premium Free School Meals, it is important for the school that you still claim for the school to get its correct allocation of Pupil Premium funding.  Eligibility for Pupil Premium funding can trigger £1,345 per child with an entitlement to free school meals, as well as other funding.  If you have any queries about your entitlement please do not hesitate to speak to our office staff. 

  
  'My Child At School' — paying for your meals online (Years 3—6)

  Once Universal Free School Meals is finished (the end of Year 2), we use an online meal payment system, 'My Child At School', to enable you to pay for your child’s meals in advance.  Further information regarding 'My Child At School', including log-in details, will be sent home in September.

   

  Going out to play at lunchtime

  In the early days, our Reception children will spend their lunchtimes in the Reception classrooms and garden, with familiar members of staff and some of our older children acting as Reception buddies. As the children become more settled into their routine at school, our lunchtime supervisors will take the Reception children outside, where they will be able to play on the playground, in the ball zone, on the school field (on warm, dry days) or on the Trim Trails.  Our Assistant Head of School oversees a team of lunchtime staff, who are all there to keep the children happy and safe at lunchtime.

  
  Snack time

  During the morning session your child will have access to a piece of fruit or vegetable every day.  Your child does not need to bring a snack to school from home.  If your child is allergic or intolerant to any particular fruit or vegetables please make this clear on their admission form.  We have a rolling snack station meaning that children can access snacks when they feel hungry, developing their independance in reacting to their bodies needs.  As always, adults are on hand to support this where necessary.

   

  School milk

  During snack time, milk will be given to children whose parents/carers have applied for it.  Please note that applications and payment for milk should be sent directly to Cool Milk and not sent to the school.  You can apply for milk for your child via our school milk provider’s website:  www.coolmilk.com.  The Government fully fund the provision of milk for children under five years old who have registered.  Once children become five years old, there is a charge.

   

  Water bottles

  We encourage you to send your child to school every day with water.  This should be in a named clear plastic bottle, preferably with a sports cap, and will be sent home at the end of each day.  Your child’s water bottle will be available for them to drink from in the classroom at all times and can be filled up in the classroom during the day.

• My Child's Learning

  How will I be kept informed about my child’s progress?

   

  Discussions with adults in the setting

  Adults are available at pick up and drop off time to talk about day to day moments.  You can also talk to our Pastoral, Safeguarding and Wellbeing Lead, Mrs Hibbert, during the school day.

   

  Tapestry Online Learning Journal

  This is a fantastic way to see how your child is progressing at school.  Using the pictures to talk to your child about their learning will continue to consolidate what they have been busy doing.

   

  Autumn Term Parents’ Consultation

  Our first parents’ consultation will be held in the autumn term, usually in October or November.  You will be able to arrange an appointment with your child’s class teacher during the day to discuss how your child has settled into school and also spend some time watching them play and interacting with their learning.  There will be an opportunity for you to look through your child’s learning journal and ask any questions you may have.

   

  Spring Term Parents’ Consultation

  Our second parents’ consultation will be held in the spring term, usually in February or March.  Again you will be able to arrange an appointment with your child’s class teacher.  At this consultation you will be able to discuss your child’s attainment and progress so far and any areas which require some development during the rest of the year. There will be another opportunity for you to look through your child’s learning journal.

  
  End of Year Report

  Towards the end of the year you child will receive a written report about your child’s attainment in all seven areas of learning, along with comments about the characteristics of effective learning.  You will also receive information about whether your child has met the expected level of achievement for the end of the Reception year in all seventeen early learning goals.  This report will be sent home in July.
   

  Summer Term Open Evening 

  During the summer term, you will be invited to a more informal open evening which will enable you to come into school to talk to your child’s class teacher more informally about their Reception year and also meet their new teacher for Year one.  This Open Evening is held in July.

    

  How will my child’s progress be monitored at school?

  Throughout the school day the children and adults in reception are immersed in playing and learning, adults are skilled in grasping teachable moments to ensure that children's skills, thoughts and knowledge are developed whilst they are fully engaged in their learning.  Adults use their knowledge of child development and a variety of progress models to ensure they are able to support all children in the moment of learning.  Adults in the setting regularly reflect on and share children's learning together.  

   

  Tapestry

  Whilst the EYFS places great emphasis on practitioners' knowledge and is moving away from excessive amounts of evidence we continue to believe in the importance of sharing successes and learning with our families.  As such we continue to use the electronic learning journal Tapestry.  This is a convenient way to share photos, videos, snapshots and work samples of some of what your child is doing at school.  Sharing these pictures at home can also promote some fantastic discussion , reflecting on learning, with you and your child about what they have been doing at school.  Tapestry also enables you to upload observations of what your child has been doing at home, throughout assessments we see the children as a 'whole', this meaning that we use observations from both home and school, learning is not simply something that happens at school.  Lots of children also enjoy sharing pictures of themselves on their adventures at home, particularly during our weekend news discussions. 

   

  Government Baseline 

  Within 6 weeks of starting school each child shall take part in the Government Baseline; the Government introduced this is 2022 and are planning on using the outcomes as a progress mark for children from reception to year 6.  Here the children get to spend some 1:1 time with an adult in the setting, resources and questions are set by the Government and are based on Communication, Language and Literacy and Maths.  

   

  Setting Baseline

  After some settling in time in the first half term adults in the setting use their observations, formative assessments and professional judgement to ascertain where individual children are in their learning journey formally.  Practitioners use their knowledge of the child's history, nursery information along with how they have settled into school to predict whether they will meet the Early Learning Goals in all 17 areas of learning by the end of reception.  Most importantly practitioners will reflect on the children's exact place on their developmental journey and ensure that the provision for the child that is being offered is supportive.  This is a formal time for practitioners to ensure that all children have an optimal learning journey no matter where their current developmental point is.

   

  Further summative assessments 

  As with the setting baseline assessment we have further points in the year where practitioners formally assess where the children are on the developmental journey, again formally ensuring that all children are on the optimal trajectory for learning.  These conversations are often reflections of ongoing discussions around children's learning and provision. 

   

  End of year assessments

  The end of the reception year is the formal end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, as such, teachers shall report on whether your child has met the expected standard for all 17 areas of learning.  Your child's trajectory towards these goals will have already been discussed with you throughout the year, during the end of year assessments teachers shall also discuss your child's characteristics of effective learning and common play behaviours along with their strengths and areas for development.  This information shall also be shared with year 1 teachers to ensure a smooth transition into the next phase of learning, children who still require support to meet the early learning goals shall be able to continue to access this provision in year 1. 

   

• The PTA

  

   

  Who wants to join our school PTA?
  What is it for?  You say, backing away.
  The short answer is fundraising, pennies and pounds,
  The school’s tight stretched budget can’t always go round.
  We’ll buy extra resources, for learning and play,
  To enrich and enhance our children’s school day.
   
  Who wants to join our school PTA?
  What do you do?  You gingerly say.
  Well, we run termly discos, car boots, Autumn fete.
  Cake sales, fun days, we’ve a lot on our plate!
  We serve teas and coffees at most school events,
  On baking cakes and biscuits much time is spent.
   
  Who wants to join our school PTA?
  Is it all mothers’ meetings?  You nervously say.
  It’s true that we chatter at the school gate,
  Lots of business gets sorted around half past eight.
  But we really are a very mixed bunch,
  Business people, professionals, and ladies that lunch,
  You don’t have to be female to be part of our club.
   
  So, who wants to join our school PTA?
  I’ve heard it’s quite cliquey, as a last ditch you say.
  No, not in the slightest, we welcome everyone,
  There’s a lovely team spirit, it’s hard work but fun.
  Between staff and parents, we strengthen the link.
  Are you interested? Will you join us? What do you think?
   
  If you’re convinced or just curious about what we do each year,
  Come along to the meetings, there’s more to see and hear!
   
   
   
  You can contact us via email - primary@hamptoncollege.org.uk
   
  Like our Facebook page ‘Friends of Hampton College Primary Phase PTA’ 

   

  

   

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  What if…? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

   

  How will… the school communicate with parents?

  As well as discussions with your child’s class teacher there will be many other ways in which the school will communicate with you.

  • At the beginning of the year a parents’ calendar will be sent out to all parents giving details of dates of forthcoming events in the school year. 
  • A weekly Reception newsletter will be sent to parents, sharing highlights of the week's learning, home learning opportunities and forthcoming events specific to Reception.
  • A primary phase fortnightly newsletter will be sent out with key information and updates for parents. 
  • Letters will be sent by email as/when necessary to advise parents about specific events or school information.

   

  We are increasingly sending more correspondence home electronically, we use Bromcom our Management Information System (MIS) to do this.  Bromcom is an online service which allows us to send letters and information direct to parents/carers by email, meaning that you receive information from the school in a reliable and efficient manner which we believe helps improve our communication with you.  Bromcom is GDPR compliant and guarantees that all information you provide is kept private and will not be passed onto any other organisation.   

   

  We will send you an invitation to register with Bromcom in September.  Once you have received this you are able to set up your Bromcom account and receive our communications.  Please remember to check your SPAM/JUNK folders regularly in case Bromcom messages are incorrectly delivered there.

   

  Paper copies of any correspondence sent via Bromcom are also available from the primary phase school office.

   

  You will also find an electronic copy of all our letters and newsletters on our school website.

   

  What if… any of my personal details change?

  It is important to make sure that we have up-to-date contact details and medical information for your child.  Please make sure that you let the primary phase school office know immediately if your contact details or any other information concerning your child changes during their time at Hampton College Primary.  You can email any changes to primary@hamptoncollege.org.uk.

   

  What if… I am going to be late to collect my child?

  Please ensure that you telephone the school office on 01733 246821 to advise us if you will be late to collect your child.  If you have arranged for another adult to collect your child on your behalf we must have their details on your child’s Pupil Collection Permission Form and they must be aware of your chosen password which will enable the Reception staff to release your child into their care.

   

  What if... my child is unwell?

  If your child is unwell, please ring our primary phase office on 01733 246821 and leave a message on our voicemail before 8.30am in the morning.  We will then inform your child’s class teacher.  All parents/carers will be contacted by telephone if we have not received a message from you.  You will also need to notify the school on each day your child is absent.  On your child’s return to school, we will also require a letter from parents/carers explaining the reason for any absences. 

   

  Please do not send your child to school if you are in doubt about their fitness, particularly where an infection is suspected.  If your child has been sick, or has suffered from bouts of diarrhoea, they need to remain at home for 48 hours before they can return to school. 

   

  What if… my child requires medication in school?

  If, following a bout of illness, your child requires medication (e.g. antibiotics) this can be administered in school by our staff.  We can only accept medication which has been prescribed by a doctor to be administered four times a day.  Medication must be handed in to the school office in the morning, in the original prescription bottle.  You will then need to complete a form to give your consent for the medication to be administered in school.  If you have any questions regarding medication in school, please speak to Mrs Hibbert.

   

  What if… my child needs to be absent during term time?

  You may be aware of some important changes that have come into operation regarding authorisation of holidays and time off during school time.

   

  Changes to legislation mean that family holidays are no longer permitted as an exceptional circumstance and we would ask that you think carefully before you decide to take your child out of school.  Any requests should be made using the correct form, which is available from the school office.

   

  A written response will be sent to you advising you whether or not the requested absence has been authorised. 

   

  What if… my child wants to cycle or scoot to school?

  We actively encourage our children to walk, cycle and scoot to school.  If your child does bring a bike or scooter to school it can be stored securely, in one of our bike sheds, for the duration of the school day.  To avoid accidents, bikes and scooters should be walked, rather than ridden, across the school playground before and after school.

   

  What if… I need to drive my child to school?

  Many of you will be aware that traffic is a serious problem as our children arrive and depart each day.  There is very limited car parking available in the public car park next to Hampton Library and Leisure Centre on Clayburn Road and therefore we would encourage parents/carers to walk with their child to school where possible.  Please discuss road and car park safety with your child before they start school and be vigilant on the school run.   

           

  The car park at the front of the school is for staff, visitor and disabled parking only so that we can ensure the safety of all of our children coming to and from school.

   

  What if… I have any further questions?

  Please do not hesitate to contact us via email primary@hamptoncollege.org.uk or call the school office on 01733 246821.