Headteacher phone call
Once receiving the final Reception admissions from Durham County Council, our Headteacher, Mrs Parks, phones all parents to welcome their family to Sacriston Academy and introduce them to our school.
Welcome to Reception parent meeting
In June, all parents are welcomed into our school to meet the Early Years team and learn the key information they need to know for their child's transition. Parents will find out what learning looks like in our Reception class, information on attendance, routines and out curriculum. Parents / carers can ask any questions, gain key information and dates ahead of time, and meet fellow parents.
Visiting other Nurseries
Our Reception teacher and Early Years lead will visit any nurseries of our transitioning children so that they are familiar with adults before visiting Sacriston Academy and adults can hand over any important information.
Stay and Play
Towards the end of the Summer term, we have a transition stay and play for new parents with their children so that both children and parents become familiar with the learning environment. Children have that opportunity to meet their new peers before the Summer holidays.
Transition in school
Our children that are transitioning from our Nursery to Reception will have their transition morning when the whole school moves up to the next teacher. This is so that children become confident with the routine and Reception environment. Parents of these children can attend our summer stay and play as normal as part of our Early Years offer to parents.
Enhanced Transition
If a child has additional needs, staff will complete extra visits to current nurseries or do extra transition sessions within school to support a smooth transition.
Staggered first two weeks in September
In September, the first two weeks in Reception are adapted to support a confident transition where children can form relationships and have a settled start to school. This means that your child will come in for either a morning or an afternoon one week and the opposite the next. Children make stronger social relationships in these smaller groups and the staff support children to feel confident and learn the routine quickly in the first two weeks.