It’s normal to have lots of questions when starting a new school for the first time. Some of the most frequently asked question are below, but please do not hesitate to contact us directly if you need any further information. We are always on hand to support parents as their child progresses through each stage of his/her education with us.
Early Years FAQs
Early Year FAQ
Do you accept the Government Nursery Grant or Employment Tax Schemes?
Yes. We administer the London Borough of Waltham Forest Nursery Grant scheme on your behalf and apply the large discount to your termly fees. All children between the ages of 3 and 5 benefit.
Some companies provide their staff with Nursery Vouchers, which are a tax saving benefit for employees to use for nursery care. Although we cannot administer this scheme for you, we are registered with multiple schemes and apply these discounts to your termly fees.
When is the best age to begin school?
All children are individuals and will be ready at different ages. We expect children to be out of nappies before starting school, unless there is a medical reason as to why this is not possible. Children in our Lower and Upper Kindergartens need to attend for a minimum of 3 sessions each week, so you need to be confident that your son or daughter is ready for that step.
In our experience we find that children enjoy learning through play and socialising with other children from an early age, so we recommend starting at any age from 2½ upwards.
Where do I go for help and information?
Our staff will always be happy to discuss your child’s learning programme with you. Timetables and information letters are sent home regularly to keep you informed about the topics and your child’s work. Evidence is kept in each child’s personal portfolio and they also have books and folders that you will be able to look at regularly.
We offer an information meeting for parents about the ‘Read Write Inc’ letters and sounds programme and the mathematics programme that we follow in school. This enables parents to support their child at home.
Staff may also direct you to the Department for Education website for further information about Early Years education and how you can support this at home.
Will my child have a ‘key person’?
There is regular contact with your child’s key person. Before your child joins Kindergarten or Reception, you will be invited into school to meet staff including the EYFS Coordinator and your child’s key person. In addition they will spend some time with you finding out more about your child and giving you time to share information with us.
Once your son or daughter begins school, there are daily opportunities to meet and talk to the key person and other members of the team. There are special parents’ meetings for specific discussion on how your child is progressing, and ‘getting to know you’ mornings when parents are invited into school for informal meetings with staff and other parents.
