FAQs

On this page you will find a list of questions that we regularly get asked at the start of a school year.  

What should I be doing with my child before they start school?

We have included a separate page full of tips for making sure your child is school ready.  Please read that for ideas about what to do.

Will you be visiting my child's preschool setting?

Where possible we will try and visit your child in their preschool or nursery setting but if we cannot then we will always speak to your child's key worker to help with their transition to North Waltham.

Will my child get a home visit or meet their teacher?

During the first few days of term, either Miss Shubrook or Mrs Jones, will visit you and your child at your home. The visit can last up to 30 minutes. It is a good chance for you to ask any questions or share information with the teacher. 

What will my child need on their first day of school?

The only two things that your child needs to bring to school each day is a water bottle and their book bag.  You will be given information about how to purchase a North Waltham blue book bag at a later point.  

All other resources are provided in school so your child does not need their own pencil case or stationery.

Please do not send your child with additional backpacks.  They do not need them and we don't have room to store them in school.

What if I forget to bring something, can I drop it off later?

Firstly, we understand that we are all human and it is only natural that on occasion you might forget something.  If this happens, mention it to your class teacher.  A lot of the times we are able to manage for the day without whatever it may be.  However, if it is something that is definitely needed, then you can drop it off at our school reception and it will be delivered to your child's class.

What school uniform do I need?

We actively encourage the wearing of school uniform because we believe that wearing uniform makes a vital contribution to the identity of the school.

https://www.skoolkit.co.uk/

All clothing should be clearly labelled with the child’s name. The school will not take responsibility for any lost articles of clothing.

Will my child need a P.E. Kit?

We do P.E twice a week in Early Years so yes your child will need an indoor and outdoor P.E. kit.  See above.

They need to keep their P.E. kit in a named drawstring bag.  We have school drawstring bags available for purchase, although you do not have to use these.

Does my child need wellies?

Yes, please.  At North Waltham we play outside in all weathers. We therefore ask that every child has a pair of wellies and waterproof trousers or spare school trousers that can stay at school. 

Do I have to pay for school dinners?

Currently all infant aged children (4-7 year olds) are entitled to a universal free school meal every day.  Our school caterers H3cS provide a choice of healthy meals usually including a meat choice or a vegetarian choice.

Children are also able to bring in their own packed lunch from home if they wish.

Do I need to provide my child with a snack?

The school is currently supplied with a range of fruit and vegetable snacks every day.  The children are able to access this snack at any point throughout the day.  If you know your child only likes specific fruit or vegetables, then you are welcome to send your own snack into school each day, however this must be only fruit or vegetables.

My child has allergies, what should I do?

We have several children at North Waltham who have range of allergies so please do not worry.  When you receive your welcome pack there will be a medical form to complete where you can put all the information about your child's allergy.  We have specialist school menus, so your child will still be able to have school dinners.  Once your child has started school we ensure that all staff are aware of them, and in the dinner hall they will be given a special dinner tray.  In the majority of circumstances children with allergies still sit with all their classmates at lunchtime and just take part in daily routines the same as everyone else. 

If your child has an epi pen or inhaler, we do ask for one to be kept at school in case of emergencies. 

My child needs medication or cream, do I have to come to school to apply it?

If your child needs medication at any point when they are at school, you will be asked to complete a medical form.  Once this is completed and signed, staff at school will then be able to give your child the required medication or support them with cream for things such as bad eczema.

My child doesn't know anyone else, will they be ok?

We are aware that starting school can be a little daunting if you don't know anyone else but please do not worry.  We have children join us from different preschool settings, so many children join us not knowing anyone else.  At North Waltham we ensure that all staff are aware of children who have joined us on their own, so that we can give them a little bit of extra support when settling in and making new friends. 

Are there any extra curricular clubs my child can join?

At the start of the year we do not open up any of our extra curricular clubs to the children in Early Years.  This is because we usually find that they are so tired for the first few terms, that the school day is long enough for them.