A. There will be opportunities for your child to visit school and their classroom prior to their start date. Our experienced staff ask that parents keep their goodbyes brief. They have a wealth of ‘distraction tactics’ to use with children who may become upset when their parents leave. The class teacher calls new parents every day during the first week to discuss how their child is settling-in.

A. The staff are mindful that children, especially very young ones, sometimes prefer to play on their own. The teachers will gauge the situation and encourage play as appropriate.

A. The children are extremely busy in school and are often quite tired at the end of each week. Reading together and a little practical number work is suggested for children in First Steps through to Reception. Children in Year One are given approximately 10 minutes homework each day.

A. Yes, pictures provide valuable clues and help enormously in the early stages of learning to read.

A. Children from the Pre-Preps have automatic entry to Downsend at Year 2 and are well prepared academically and socially for the transition. There have been special circumstances when Downsend has not been the right school for children transferring from the Pre-Preps. Should this be the case, school would guide parents to find the right school.

A. Children who still need an afternoon sleep are able to do so after lunch.  The children are supervised continually while asleep.

A. No. Staff will guide and support parents when the time is right.

A. If staff have noted that a child has not eaten sufficient at lunchtime, it will be recorded and feedback to the parent at the end of the day. Staff will not provide individual feedback if they feel a child is meeting school’s expectations at lunchtimes.

A. Staff will administer prescribed medication only. Parents will be required to complete a Medication Form detailing instructions for the class teacher.

A. All children from First Steps to Year One are welcome to attend Early Birds and Extended Day.

A. It is not unusual for children to choose not to talk about their school day once they get home. The class teachers have individual ways in which they keep parents informed and parents should speak to their child’s teacher.

A. Yes. Weekly swimming lessons start for children in Reception in the autumn term. Parents are invited to watch a swimming lesson in the spring term, around February.

A. Playtimes are staggered. The children in First Steps and Rising Reception are outside together with First Steps accessing their own covered play area should they prefer. Reception and Year One play together.