Before your child starts school (3-5 Yrs) 
"Links with parents are built on extensively and are now outstanding,"
ESTYN Inspection Report, June 2009 READ MORE
Preparation
If your child is almost ready to start school, it can be difficult to prepare yourself and your child for the task ahead. To guide you, we've compiled a checklist of what you can do before your child starts primary school.
- Start researching for schools at least 12 -18 months before your child needs to start. Remember, some primary schools are more popular than others, and infant class sizes must be limited to a maximum of 30 children to a qualified teacher.
- Obtain a school prospectus from the schools themselves. CLICK HERE The prospectus should include details on how to apply, criteria used to decide admission, policy and ethos. There is no bar on considering schools in neighbouring areas.
- From information in prospectuses, compare the policy of a popular school with your own circumstances to decide how good the chances are of getting your child in the school of your choice.
- Find the local authority nearest to you for more information on local schools.
- Speak with parents who already have children at the school you are interested in.
- Research your anticipated schools policy on bullying, crime, security, exclusion, school specialities and more. This information should be easy to obtain by contacting the school.
- Check your local newspaper or prospectuses for school open days/evenings.
- Check pre-school care programmes such as breakfast clubs.
- Check after-school care policy. This may not be on site at the school and there could be a waiting list.
- Check the OFSTED website to find the latest inspection report for the school CLICK HERE
Getting Ready
When your child goes to school for the first time, its a huge step for both of you. Here are a few tips to help you both to make a success of it.
- Enquire about school uniforms. Some schools have sales on uniforms during their open days.
- Book pre-school booster/MMR. For more information on pre-school boosters and MMR, speak to your child's GP.
- Find details on Parent Teachers Association/ School Governing Body, and learn how you can play a part in supporting your child's school.
- Plan ahead - obtain school holiday dates.
Fun On-Line Games for Pre-schoolers
Fun Brain.com - A fantastic wbsite, full of learning games for childen.
Nick Junior - Learning games from the kids' TV station Nickelodeon.
Little Animal Activity Centre - A fun way for 4-8 year olds to learn and play at home.
Primary Games - Some great games for preschoolers.
Sesame Street - Some great games from Big Bird and friends
What is The Foundation Phase?
Click here to see the Welsh Assembly information & summary. You can download a parents' information leaflet by CLICKING HERE.
For a summary, visit our Foundation Page - CLICK HERE