FOR NEW PARENTS
Welcome to Compass Point!
We’re so pleased that you and your child are joining our school community.
Starting School in Reception (September Intake)
If your child is joining our Reception class in September, you’ll be invited to a Welcome Meeting in Term 6.
This is a lovely chance to:
- Meet the teachers and staff
- Visit the classroom
- Learn how we’ll help your child settle in
You’ll also receive a welcome pack with:
- Key information about starting school
- Enrolment forms to fill in
- The date and time of your home visit
You and your child will be invited to a stay and play visit where you will:
- Meet their new teacher and key adults
- Visit their classroom and outdoor area
- Meet other Reception class children and their families
Home Visits
To help your child feel comfortable and known, the class teacher and support staff will visit you at home.
It’s a relaxed way for us to:
- Meet your child in a familiar space
- Begin building a positive relationship with your family
We’ll work with you to make the transition as smooth as possible. All children will have a phased start to school. This is to enable them to build positive relationships with their teacher and key adults. Most children will be in school full-time by the third week of term.
Start time: 8:50am
Finish time: 3:30pm
It’s important that your child is on time each day as it will help them settle into their school routines. Reception children come in through the main school gate, then turn left through the double gates to the Early Years playground. Gates close at 9am.
If your child is unwell, please call us on 0117 377 2340 before 9am to let us know why they’re not in. You can find more guidance on attendance here
We encourage everyone to walk or cycle to school where possible.
- We use Class Dojo to share messages between teachers and parents. You’ll get an invite once your child starts.
- Our weekly school newsletter includes important updates and a message from the Headteacher.
- You might also get updates by email or text, so please keep an eye out!
It is really important that we have up to date contact details for you. If your phone or email details change, please let us know as soon as possible. Come to Reception and we can change them straight away. Uniform
Uniform is available from Monkhouse at 140 East Street.
Our PTFA also runs a second-hand uniform shop. Email them here
Top tip: Label all clothes with your child’s name or initials so we can return any lost items. School Dinners and Special Diets
All lunches must be pre-ordered using ParentPay. You’ll receive a letter on how to log in once your child starts.
We offer vegetarian and halal options every day. If your child has any special dietary needs, please fill in the diet form as soon as possible.
An example menu can be found here
Everyone plays a part in keeping children safe. Once the gates are locked, please go to the main office if you need to speak to a staff member.
If you’re ever worried about a child, family or staff member, please speak to one of our Safeguarding Leads:
- Mrs Brown (Headteacher)
- Mr Howshall (Pastoral Lead)
- Charlotte Williams (Resource Base Lead)
Breakfast & After School Club (Wraparound Care)
Once the children are fully settled into school they can access:
- Free breakfast club from 8:00am
- After school club until 5:30pm (5:00pm on Fridays – booking and charges apply)
Our Parents, Teachers, and Friends Association (PTFA) organise brilliant events like Cinema nights, Round the World Picnics, Eid celebrations and School discos:
They also help raise money to support the school. New helpers are always welcome – come join the fun!
Useful Links for Parents
Growing Independence
- Parent Kind – Be School Ready
- Helping Children Look Forward to School – NBCC Guide
- Family Corner’s 5 tips to help your child get ready for Reception
Building relationships and communicating
- The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s Shaping Us Framework outlines how these skills develop in early childhood
- Top tips for enjoying stories together and book recommendations for starting school - BookTrust
Find more resources and useful tips on the Starting Reception website
Term DatesYou can see our school dates for the next two school years here:
You can also add the school term dates for 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026 to your calendar using the link here.
A calendar of key dates is also available on our website and once your child starts school, you’ll get a handy school calendar to display on your fridge!
Contact UsLet us know if you have any questions – we’re here to help you and your child feel at home.
Email us here
We can’t wait to welcome you into our school community!