Welcome to Reception at The Prince of Wales School 2026/27!

 Welcome to Reception at The Prince of Wales School (2026/27)!

We are absolutely delighted to welcome our new families and children! This is such an exciting chapter in your child’s learning journey, and we are so looking forward to their first day this Thursday.

This blog will be your primary hub for news, updates, and photos throughout the year.

Explore Our Updated Classroom

Since our Parent Information Session in July, the Reception classroom has had a wonderful makeover! To help your child feel confident and settled on Friday:

Take a moment to look through the classroom pictures together so your child becomes familiar with the new setup.

Social Story:

If your family uses social stories, please click here to view and share our Transition Story ahead of Thursday.

My First Day

Essential First-Week Logistics & Routines

The School Day Timings

• 8:45 AM — Doors Open: Arriving promptly at 8:45 AM allows children to take part in our early Linked Provision activities for a calm, purposeful start.

• 9:00 AM — Doors close and Registration (if running late you will need to drop off via the office)

• 3:30 PM — Home Time: Please collect promptly, as little ones can get anxious if their adult isn't there right away.

Separation Anxiety Tip: Drop-offs can bring a few tears early on—this is completely normal! Children almost always settle quickly once inside. If your child has a tricky morning, we are always happy to give you a quick phone call to put your mind at ease.

First Day Bags & Toys

• First Day Bags: Children can bring their special decorated bags on Thursday. We can't wait to see what treasures they bring to share with us!

Toys from Home (besides the one in their transition bags)

We kindly ask that children do not bring toys from home. This helps avoid confusion, as well as the risk of something special being lost or broken.

It can be tricky for children to tell the difference between school resources and toys brought from home, and we’d be so sad if something special were to get lost or damaged. To avoid this, we ask that toys from home are kept safely there. Thank you for your support - it really helps children make a confident and independent start to school.

I know many of you will have questions about the day-to-day routines, especially in these first few weeks. I’ve answered the most common ones below, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to know more.

Snack & Drink Station

Timing: Open from 10:00–10:30 AM daily, fully supported by an adult.

What to Send: We provide daily fruit, but you may send healthy fruit/vegetable/cracker snacks from home. Please no crisps, chocolate, or high-sugar fruit rolls.

Drinks & Milk: Water bottles will be refilled throughout the day with scheduled calm water breaks. Children under 5 receive free school milk (or via the office if over 5).

Wellies & Spare Uniform

Wellies: Please send one labelled pair of welly boots to stay at school for outdoor learning and water play.

Spare Clothes: Send a full labelled set of spare uniform for the inevitable sand, mud, water, or little accidents (please label socks and pants too!).

Labelling: Label everything (jumpers, bottles, lunchboxes!). Unclaimed items will be placed on a table or in a box outside at the end of each day.

Lunchtimes & PE

Lunch: Early in the term, Reception eats a little earlier with full support from our team. Free school dinners are encouraged, but if you are unsure how much they will eat, feel free to send a back-up packed lunch.

PE Kits: PE starts after the first few weeks once children are settled. On PE days, children come to school wearing their kit (weather-appropriate jogging bottoms and trainers are great for cooler days). I will keep you updated on when we start formal PE lessons.

Our Approach & Expectations

Our play-based, child-led environment gradually introduces structured routines at a comfortable pace. This year, we’ll be diving into exciting learning adventures with Drawing Club, Power Maths, and Read Write Inc.

To help your child feel secure, it’s great to practice these Key Classroom Expectations at home:

Listening Ears: Practice sitting down and focusing for brief instructions.

Tidying Up: Encouraging children to clear away one activity before starting another.

Self-Help Skills: Practicing putting on coats, zipping up jackets, and opening lunch items independently.

Kind Hands & Sharing: Using gentle words and taking turns with toys.

Stay Connected

We update this blog every weekend with key news and photos. Looking through the blog with your child is a fantastic way to prompt conversations about what they did during the week!

First Day Icebreaker Question!

Before Friday, grab your child, read this post together, and drop a comment below letting us know: What is one thing your child is most excited to try or see in Reception?

Have a wonderful rest of your week - we can't wait to start this journey together on Thursday!

Warmest regards,

Miss Godden and The Reception Team