Most children join The Priory in the year of their fifth birthday .This is a very exciting time for children (and adults, also!).

 

 The children are given the opportunity to come into school for two mornings at the end of the Summer Term before they start in September. During these mornings, they are able to sample a range of activities and they begin to get to know their fellow class members. On one of these morning, the Parents’ Association host a coffee morning at Monk Sherborne village hall – all parents are warmly welcome to attend and as well as being an opportunity to find out more about the school, it is also a great time to meet other parents within the year group.

Parents are invited to attend a new parents’ information meeting where the routines of school are explained and parents are able to ask questions. Mrs. Austen, the Reception class teacher, also arranges individual appointments with parents at the beginning of September so that any issues can be discussed on an individual basis.

Once the children have started school, Mrs Austen offers an informal “drop in “session on a Tuesday afternoon each week. Parents are able to pop in to discuss their child’s progress, to talk over any issues or simply to have a look round the classroom. Mrs. Austen sends an information letter home each week and there is daily written communication through the home school diary. Recently, Mrs. Austen has started a Year R blog which gives parents a fascinating insight into early years education! The blog can be found on this website under the "Information" heading!

When children join The Priory in higher year groups, every effort is made to ensure that they settle in as quickly as possible. Initially, they are paired with a friend who is able to show  them “the ropes” and our experience is that very soon, children feel at home as  part of The Priory school community.