Whole class reception party - what to expect?

[NoLostCause]

DS1 (4) is starting reception next week. He birthday is the first week in October and he really wants a party. He doesn't know anyone going to his new school, although the majority of his class will already know each other from attending the attached preschool.

He wont really have time to get to know people before we have to organise and send out invites, so I was thinking of doing a whole class party.

The local leisure centre does parties, we've been there before and it's good and affordable. However, their party room has a max capacity of 25 children. His new class will be 30 children and there are about 5 others he wants to invite from his old preschool.

How many children usually actually turn up to a while class party? Can we risk it? It'll probably be one of the first of the year so I don't know what to expect.

I feel simultaneously stressed that either too many people will come or that nobody at all will show up!

Exactly. We did whole class parties for the first 3 years, and the uptake was incredibly high, literally all 35. Likewise, we attended lots and the whole class would always be there. Parents don't want their kids to miss out, and they also don't want to miss out on the opportunity to gel with other parents.

How did you send the invites ? If through the kids bags quite a few may have got lost for example. Do you have a class WhatsApp where you can directly put the question out ? Or ask the teacher for a little help ? It’s so early in the year, it’s very unlikely to be them not liking you or something like that, more likely everyone is just overwhelmed, but would probably like the opportunity for all to meet. Must be stressful, hope all turns out well !

OP PP have covered it all really, bouncing castle and simple ‘treat’ food, kids will love it if they see a big bowl of crisps (bonus if you have several with different flavors/shapes) and a bouncy castle and not think further☺️

As for the park invite in the middle of the summer I wouldn’t read too much into it, but do make an effort to chat from the beginning with other parents, just so they know you a bit

My DC's birthday is in 3 weeks and he starts reception class on Wednesday. I've decided against having a party this year as it costs too much and he won't know anyone. They will have only been in school full time for 8 days before his birthday. Also, I didn't want to invite the whole class as I felt that it sets a precedent for everyone else. We are having a small party with family only instead.

If you choose to hire a hall you could also hire some soft play equipment such as a ball pool. My SIL has done this before and in went down well. I would also set up a colouring station for those who want a few minutes leave.

For the numbers I wouldn’t worry too much (I wouldn’t risk the small venue, I mean turnout), even if say 10 out of 30 turn up + the 5 from preschool, that’s plenty for a nice party

My ds had a whole class party in either reception or year 1. It’s the only whole class party I’ve ever thrown. Never again. It was chaos. I did the bouncy castle and a couple of party games but really every single minute needs to be accounted for or they run wild.

I think your reasoning is understandable as yours is so soon in, half the kids may not even realise whose party it is as they will barely know each other, the budget can be put to good use for fun playdates etc or next year’s party.

If your school allows it I would bring in a nice birthday cake on the day though, maybe one issue you might have is not knowing dietary requirements, maybe note to ask the teacher on the very first day

Parents will stay at a first party for 4 year olds so you’ll need to accommodate them too

inviting just the boys. That is normally acceptable as well. Is it? I’d think a parent very odd for trying to segregate boys and girls.

Yes, entrench the sex divide nice and early.

Yeah agreed the boy/girl thing may come across a bit, well, strange, a couple of weeks into reception. It usually comes up in some cases when they’re a bit older and it’s what they actually want, but it’s just a developmental phase that passes usually, but does happen (and a way to cut half the costs…!)

In reception, especially beginning, you’re hopefully trying to create as much of a spirit of inclusivity, for absolutely all, while it lasts….

DS is the oldest person in his year, and we have a three tier school system. You can pretty reliably expect everyone + siblings to rock up to a September party in an "entry point" year, especially Reception.

You need a bigger venue!

We had 3 turn up..

So I wouldn't assume everyone will show!

Good chance they will all turn up and you will also get a few siblings tagging along. Don’t risk a venue that only holds 25.

I think that’s fine and pretty much regular, I’d add maybe a quiet spot if you have children with SEN or just still shy (likely in a class of 30, but you won’t know, but may make them/parents feel more comfortable coming. That part can be done really cheap, as PP have said a coloring station or whatever works for you. Just mention it briefly on the WhatsApp but don’t specify why, it’s obvious, just say something like a calm space for crafts for those who prefer.
It also depends on how long you plan it to be, at that age it’s usually not that long and parents will be on hand to direct their kids, so I wouldn’t worry.

Definitely remember to ask for dietary requirements (if very complex usually the parents will bring their own), use the WhatsApp.

It could be little gestures like this that will hopefully make all these parents who already know each other think you sound nice and inclusive, this sounds nice, so joining.

You can send a brief message re these things on WhatsApp soonish so as not to risk people booking something something else that day.

I'm with @Sirzy

Do something nice with the 5 friends he knows, and keep open the possibility he might want to add 2 or 3 new school friends.
Save yourself the stress.

I wouldn't be so sure. We did a whole class party and every single one turned up and plenty had siblings in tow too.

Agreed, it’s unpredictable but more likely at a beginning of year that they would join. I’d be too stressed with this possibility to be honest.

That being said, yes as PP have said I wouldn’t go all out on a huge expensive party.

Keep it simple, bouncy castle, bubble machine, and regular cheap party food in generous quantities - those siblings may eat! I like Iceland for this as it’s decent quality and not overly expensive ; although I usually do homemade as cheaper still, but 30 is a lot even if you keep it simple ;
I’d rather throw in a couple extra pizzas in the oven and have large bowls of crisps (usually cheapest way) and know they have something to grab, the parents will restrain them from the rest and usually feed them before, but they’re usually close in age, it’s treat food, and it’s always nice to tell the parents so I obviously couldn’t provide for siblings for everything but please know they can help themselves to pizza and crisps as I planned extra for those.

That + a kettle and a cheap box of coffee + tea, and you’re sorted. I personally wouldn’t provide food for parents aside from the tea/coffee bonus, as you have to stop somewhere.

I do homemade and it’s a lot of extra faff for those numbers, but budget… if you can, I’d go Iceland type.

If extra crisps / pizza left, keep them in the treat cupboard, freeze the pizza.

@NoLostCause If you’re worried about saving the date you can just send a WhatsApp message, just saying your date, about to book, ‘would everyone’s kids be happy with a bouncy castle and also a quieter crafts corner, hoping to suit all ! Could you also please let me know if any dietary requirements ? Understand if siblings need to join, will have extra pizza available in case any hungry, if that suits all !’.
Just keep it light, don’t need to ask for RSVPs just yet.
At least it’s probably what I would do

I would personally do the whole class party it will give you chance to meet all the kids and parents and also as it's close to the start of the year I think your DS would get a lot of reciprocal invites and imo they do move a party in reception/

Make sure the full amount can be catered for and absolutely not in a pay per head in case cheeky people turn up with extras!

The last time I did a whole class party for my reception age child every single person turned up! As pp says it’s an opportunity to get to know other parents

Yes this is great.
I do tend to go lower on what can’t be frozen/kept if not eaten (so I tend to do homemade pizza and rolls (simple and healthy stuff) as well as sandwiches, and yes lots of crisps. As food waste is also unpredictable in that age range
Party bags depends on your budget, same for parents if I can bring a kettle and tea/coffee and simple biscuits great though, but I prefer knowing I have some extra for siblings at that age. Pizza and crisps extra being my go to, parents can have a slice of pizza instead of a biscuit ha

I don’t have a huge budget should add, other people do it differently, the great thing at that age is as @CyberCritical said, the kids just won’t care.
Tea/coffee tbh is a good investment to make sure they’re awake enough to watch their kids, but otherwise 2h goes by quickly, you’ll be fine

Sorry to hear that. Was it recent ? As in will you be trying again in the future, would be happy to try to help, or is it a more distant past story ?

Sorry for all the posts !
Just both wished to share that it can be done on a budget at this age just absolutely fine + I’m a junior worker with early children in need (don’t have a really specific age range yet, up until end of primary basically), so always interested in opportunities to learn !