Reception 2026

Welcome to Reception – Starting School in September

We are delighted to welcome you and your child to Reception at Oughtrington Primary School. Starting school is an exciting step and a big milestone for children and families. We are committed to making the transition happy, smooth and positive for every child and family. This page contains important information, key dates, and useful documents to help you prepare for September. Our Reception team looks forward to getting to know your child and supporting them as they begin their learning journey with us.

Key Dates

Stay and Play Sessions

22nd - 26th June 2026

First day for Reception children

Thursday 3rd September 2026

Helping your child prepare for school

There are lots of things that you can do to help your child make a flying start to their school life. Over the summer, support your child to practise the following skills:

  • Putting on and taking off coats independently

  • Using the toilet and washing hands confidently

  • Recognising their own name

  • Sharing and taking turns

  • Holding a pencil comfortably

  • Listening to stories and talking about books

  • Opening lunch boxes and drink bottles independently

Starting school tips for parents:

  • Establish a regular bedtime routine

  • Encourage independence where possible

  • Talk positively about school

  • Visit the school gates/playground if possible

  • Read together every day

The following website contains lots more ideas about how you can help to prepare your child for starting school. It also contains many links to information and guidance that may be of interest to you. Please do take a look!

A Typical Day in Reception

Time

Activity

8:50

Doors open/registration

9:00

Morning learning

10:00

Break

10:15

Phonics

11:00

Morning learning

12:00

Lunch

1:00

Afternoon learning

3:00

Storytime

3:20

Home time

Documents and Downloads

The documents below may prove useful to you.

FAQ Section

What should my child bring on their first day?

A named water bottle, coat, and book bag. Please avoid large backpacks.

What if my child is nervous?

This is completely normal. Our staff are experienced in supporting children to settle happily and confidently.

What happens if my child is ill?

Please contact the school office before 9:00am to report absences.

What if my child has additional needs?

If your child has additional needs or you think they may need additional support to settle into Reception, please do make sure you share as much information as possible with their new teacher. As a school, we will work with you to find the right strategies to support your child and your family.

There are also many organisations and resources that might prove useful to you. These include: