New Parents

For those parents who have children starting school for the first time ...

Thank you for your interest in Whitnash Primary School.

We want this to be the beginning of a happy and successful time for your child and a supportive partnership with you. However, we recognise that starting school, whether it is starting Reception or moving from another school, can be an anxious time for both children and parents/carers. We hope that this information provides you with practical information and some useful advice to help make your child’s transition as smooth as possible.

If there are any questions that remain unanswered or you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact us

Attendance

It is very important to make sure that your child attends school every day as any day missed is a lost opportunity for them to make progress in their learning.

There are times, however, when your child may not be able to attend school due to illness. We ask that parents inform the school as soon as possible.

Punctuality is also very important. Your child must be in school by 8.55am for registration. Persistent lateness and absences will be recorded and will be reported to the Local Authority Education Welfare Officer.

If your child needs to leave school during the day for any reason, i.e. doctors, hospital appointment, a note or telephone call is essential explaining the reasons why.

The Curriculum

Whitnash Primary School provides education for children in three stages:

Early Years Foundation Stage
Reception: 4 to 5 year olds

Key Stage 1
Year 1: 5 to 6 year olds
Year 2: 6 to 7 year olds

Key Stage 2
Year 3: 7 to 8 year olds
Year 4: 8 to 9 year olds
Year 5: 9 to 10 year olds
Year 6: 10 to 11 year olds

Parental Involvement

Being a parent is one of the most vital, and sometimes on of the most undervalued jobs in the world. We believe that you are your child's first and most important educators.

We encourage parental involvement in all aspects of school life. There is a half-termly class newsletter to keep you informed of the learning happening in your child's class, together with a weekly newsletter telling you of forthcoming events, notices etc. Parents are invited into school each Friday to join in with our 'Achievement Assembly'.

There are three Parent Consultation Evenings arranged each year to meet with your child's teacher, see your child's work and to discuss their progress.

Friends of Whitnash Primary School

We have a very strong group of parents who work very hard each year to raise funds to help fund resources for school. Parents are carers are very welcome to come along to the meetings and join the Friends of Whitnash Primary School.

Free School Meals

If you think that your child may be entitled to receive free school meals please collect a form from the school office.
For further information please contact
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolmeals

Recognising Effort

Children's confidence and wish to learn is based on their knowledge of what they can do. When they can nearly do something, a bit of encouragement and enthusiasm can make a big difference. This is much more helpful to children than doing something for them. If they are successful in the end - then the effort is worth making and they will get into the habit of trying hard.

It is therefore important that you recognise, value and praise your child's efforts as well as their skills and achievement. Positive encouraging statements can raise your child's self esteem and their desire to learn.

Breakfast Club

Each academic year, vacant spaces made available by Year 6 leavers, will be offered to new parents of the forthcoming new reception in-take.

Parents will be given the opportunity to register interest for siblings e.g. by stating how many places they require for their family.

Notification of these spaces and the deadline for ‘Expression of Interest’, will be sent out to new parents following the New Parent Meeting in the Summer Term. Parents will be requested to return their interest paper reply slips by a set date and will be date and time stamped on their return. These spaces will also be allocated on a ‘First come, first serve’ basis. Discretion may be applied where a place is needed due to exceptional circumstances.

Useful Information

Admissions
School Admission Service
Saltisford Office Park
Ansell Way
CV34 4UL
Tel: 01926 742037
Email: admissions@warwickshire.gov.uk
Website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/admissions

School Meals
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolmeals

Holiday Dates
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolholidaydates