Congratulations on receiving your place and welcome to Locking Primary School family! We are so excited to meet you and your family and we can't wait to get started! We know that starting school is a huge milestone in your child's life and we will be with you every step of the way to make their transition to school a smooth, happy and successful one!

Coming soon to your front door... Look out for a special delivery for you and your little one coming very soon! We want every child to feel part of our school community right away, so a member of our team will be delivering a new school book bag, featuring our special squirrel logo, filled with lots of useful new starter information for you as well as a letter for your child.

OUR RECEPTION CLASSROOMS

This video will show you a little further into our Reception classrooms, Willow and Oak, and the activities and learning that our children take part in. 

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GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER

We know how important it is for children (and their families) to get to know the school before the first day. The book bags that we deliver after National Offer Day have all the information that you need, including invitations to:

• Summer Fete: 'May Fun Day' 15th May

What better way to get to know the school than coming along to our school fete. With our infamous tombola, inflatables, BBQ and more, it's a great afternoon out! We've even pre-booked the sun! 

• New Parents' Information Evening 6th May at 6pm

A short welcome from Mrs Simpson and Miss Ledbury, followed by a chance to see your child's classroom, meet the teachers and other parents, sample our school meals and walk around a number of stalls, each providing information on different parts of school life

• Stay and Play sessions 9th and 11th June

A chance for your child to visit the school and have a short play in the classroom with their friends and some trusted adults. We find this takes the pressure off the 'first day' because children know what to expect and have had a positive experience of school. It is also a wonderful opportunity for parent/carers to have a cup of tea and cake and meet some of the other new parents in your child's class family. These will be booked during the New Parents' Information Evening. 

• Home Visits (1:1 meetings)

At the very start of term in September, we allocate a couple of days to 1:1 meetings. This is a chance for you and your child to visit the school and meet the teachers and support staff in class. It's your chance to ask us any last questions that you may have and tell us all that you think we need to know about your child. Your child will have a chance to play with some of the adults that they will meet when they start.

• Part-time timetable

We recognise that children are often used to long days at pre-school and that adults often have work commitments but we also think it is vital that the start of school is positive and that no child feels overwhelmed. For the first week, we split classes into mornings/afternoons so that they get lots of adult interaction and positive opportunities to meet new friends. We then have a short period of classes coming in as a whole class for the morning and staying for lunch. Generally speaking, we have a few days of home visits or 1:1 meetings, a week of mornings/afternoons, a week of mornings plus lunch and then we are full-time. You may feel at the end of this induction that your child is still not quite ready. If this is the case, we can work with you to ensure your child feels comfortable and extend the induction, if necessary. 

Important Dates Coming Up...

New Starter Welcome Meeting: Wednesday 6th May at 6pm in the Hall

Locking May Fun Day: Friday 15th May from 3.15pm 

Stay and Play Sessions:  Tuesday 9th and Thursday 11th June 2026 (sign up will be at the New Starter Welcome Meeting)

September Home Visits: This will be given out at your stay and play session in term 6

September Part Time Hours: These will be given out at your stay and play session in term 6

KEY INFORMATION and USEFUL DOCUMENTS

Here's what some of our current Reception parents say about their child's experiences so far... 

“The teachers take their time getting to know each child really well.

This shows that they really care and have time for them”

Locking School go above and beyond for all children. Our daughter settled in so well, her confidence has grown so much and she is very happy. The teachers are great listeners, nothing is a problem and they will help in any way they can."

"I can honestly say Locking School is such an amazing school. All the teachers take their time to listen."

"The teachers are keen to allow us to share in what they do in the classroom. My little one loves the weekly challenges and cant stop talking about what she does every day."

"The learning through play approach is perfect for this age group and I am so pleased my son has had access to this, as well as the amazing outside spaces. We are very pleased we chose Locking School."

and some hints and tips for when your little one starts school... 

"My tip for the first day is to talk about it lots with your little one. Be prepared for them to stride into class without taking a look back! Maybe put a tissue in your pocket, just in case you may need it!"