Starting School At Elmbridge
Gloucestershire has adopted a policy which enables all children
who will be five years old on or between 1 September and 31 August to start
school during the autumn term. The exact admission dates and arrangements are
provided by the school.
General Information
In the first instance, we require parents/carers to register children for school by contacting the school office.
Open Sessions
Open sessions are organised by the school, during the Autumn term prior to the child starting school, for prospective parents/carers to view the school in action.
Please note that registering your child with us does not guarantee a place in the school. Towards the end of the Autumn term prior to your child starting school, you will be sent a personalised letter, a guide for parents/carers and a common application form from the Local Authority. Once you have read the guide, you must complete the common application form on behalf of your child selecting up to 4 schools in order of preference. This must be returned to the School Admission team by the date stated on the form. Further information and the opportunity to apply online is available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions
The Local Authority will process all common application forms and parents/carers will be advised by letter of the school their child has been allocated during April. Once we receive a list of children allocated to Elmbridge Infant School, we will contact you by letter with details of our induction programme. This programme starts with an evening information session for parents/carers.
Admission Priorities
When places are limited the siblings of children already at Elmbridge Infant School and the adjoining Junior School take precedence and then those living nearest to the school are considered. Parents have the right to appeal against the refusal of a place at the school. Gloucestershire Local Authority conducts these appeals.
Pre-School Liaison
The school values its links with the pre-school agencies in the area and has adopted a policy of regular liaison with pre-school playgroups, nurseries and parents of the next year's intake.
Opportunities exist for parents/carers and children to attend informal and formal meetings prior to the admission date. The children have the opportunity to mix with other children and meet their class teachers. This process enables children to become familiar with the classroom, staff and some school routines. At the beginning of September, just before the children start school, we offer the opportunity for the teacher to visit you and your child at home.
At Elmbridge Infant School we take great care with the induction period. Children will come into school, mornings or afternoons only on a part-time basis initially, attending with a group of other children. This enables them to settle gradually into a quiet and secure environment with their teacher and teaching assistant helping them to feel confident in their surroundings. During this induction period the class teacher will conduct an assessment with each child. The outcome of this will be discussed with parents/carers at the parent consultation during the Autumn term.
Details of the child's induction programme are published well in advance to enable parents/carers to make appropriate childcare arrangements as necessary. Part-time schooling continues until the October half-term by which time it is expected that all children will be ready to attend school full-time.
The school strongly believes that the needs of the child are paramount at the introduction of his or her school life.