Is this a daft idea for a kids party

[quirkyquerty]

My son turns five on 25th September, so just after he will begin in reception. I thought it would be nice to hire a hall/bouncy castle and do a little traditional party. Should I send invites in on his fist week at school? Is that too late for people to come? I haven't done a party/ been invited to a kids party before so I'm not sure how it works.

Would be terrible if nobody showed up, I am hoping that parents will be keen for their children to come so that their children can make friends?

Thanks and let me know if it's a daft idea

It’s fine, send them 10 days before not the first week or people will forget. Put RSVP by X date in big writing above your phone number.

I think it's a great idea. Push it back to the first weekend in October to give everyone the chance to get through the initial week or two hefore invites go out. Invite some family/friends not from school too so even if the classmates are low in numbers there's some other kids there.

I've found in my kids school that a section of the classes (in both my dcs years) never go to any parties, so there may be some kids that wouldn't come regardless. But those that do come, will likely come every year and throw similar events in return so it builds a bit of a network of parents.

That's a perfect party for 5 yr old - I have 4 dc's and the best and most memorable parties they had were bouncy castles in the garden with homemade food. Tip: they particularly loved my individual homemade jellies - half lime jelly & half strawberry in individual clear plastic cups with a squirt of cream and sprinkles on top - the kids all oohed and ahhed when I took them out 😂!

It sounds a great idea, and I’m sure plenty will come (I used to stress horribly about parties though!) Are you planning to invite the whole class? As the school might have a staggered start for YR, so some children won’t get the invitations if they’re sent too early.

Presuming you’re doing Sat/Sun I’d recommend maybe 3/4pm to include tea then home about six. They’re still a bit young for anything much later. And I’d avoid AM as loads if children have swimming or other clubs then

I did a garden party end of sept with arts and crafts for my daughters 6th birthday. Most of the kids spent time running around and playing on the trampoline but they all had loads of fun.
What's not to like with pass the parcel, musical bumps etc.... just got to hope for good weather!

Why would be a daft idea? Sounds ideal to me, and 2/3 weeks is plenty of notice but not too far ahead that the invite gets forgotten about.

My ds is on the 19th and he always had a party, even on years he went up to new schools. Always plenty of kids there.

One problem - how are you going to know the names of the kids if everyone's new? School isn't allowed to give out lists or anything.

I also think it's a great idea!

Be very clear on the invitation though that parents/a parent are welcome to stay (if they are) as probably the first party in Reception they'll want to be there. Have some extra nibbles for them, just crisps or something.

Ours were happy to provide a list of first names for party invites.

It's hard for the September birthdays in reception as no one really knows anyone.

In my son's class one of the boys had a party in late September. All they did was tell everyone via the parents WhatsApp and at the school gate that they were going to the park after school one day. Those who could joined and they had a great time.

I think this year he might do more as he knows the class better.

Absolutely fine to send invites out the first week. I’ve had a few for September birthdays. My DD s birthday is august, I will throw her a belated party in September after she’s started school and send invites out the first week if school.

@quirkyquerty I think it's a lovely idea. With both of my DC other parents of birthday children have done similar in the September of reception and people have been super keen as it's a great way for everyone to get to know each other- kids and parents- at the start of the school year.
Perhaps there might turn out to be a class parents' WhatsApp set up over the summer so you can send out a save the date in advance? If not then invites at the start of the term will be fine I am sure.

DD had this. She came home from school in the second week with a party invitation.

The mum basically dropped 30 invites with no name to the teacher (after checking with her beforehand) and each child got an envelope. In it the mum asked that parents would add the child's name and a parent's name plus email/phone number into the RVSP.

Lots of us came, the children played, the parents chatted and it was an easy way to break the ice between parents as well.

Hopefully you have a local Fb group - join it and see if there is a group for that school made for sept 2023

then will hopefully meet some of the parents and children in summer hols. That’s what we did last year. A park date so all can come

and make a wats app group

ours is fab for reminding people of school stuff or saying have chicken pox etx or party invites

sounds fun. My only thing would be 3w notice isn’t a lot hence if can join the class group now and make contacts then can save the date iyswim

Lovely idea ....wish my son was in this class ! Just be prepared with food/party bags for some people not rsvp-ing but still turning up ! Also if you have any spare adults like a DM bring them along as bday parties are so busy and u want to get to know the parents who stay...enjoy !

It's a lovely idea, and I'm sure your son will have a fab birthday!

My friend has a bouncy castle hire - she's always busy. People do this sort of party all the time - indoor and outdoor. Many halls have outdoor space you can use if on the day the weather is nice enough to have it outside.

I think sending when you get back is great. I'd mention it beforehand if you have a visiting/ settling in day before the end of term so people are prepared.

You do miss lots of working parents though. We had three "Play afternoons" in school so the children could meet the teacher and the classrooms. But it was a hit and miss who was there when. I took one day off, DH another and the third was a miss.

During the Summer holiday we worked as we had our last cheaper holiday in June before the school holiday restrictions hit and we saved our other leave to cope with the month of 1/2 days when DD actually started school.

One school nearby started a meet and greet with soft drinks after the information evening where you meet the teacher, get all kind of practical information etc. Just 1/2 hour after the end of the meeting but it meant you meet others, can swap numbers or fb contacts etc. You may still miss some parents but in general you always have at least one there and no kids.

I think it’s a great idea !!

Ah wonderful thank you for the replies. I will get planning, then, and find a venue. Half and half jellies with squirty cream will definitely be on the menu!

Started reception this year. We had parties every weekend of Sept and Oct. It was great fun and it meant lots of the parents now know eachother. Def NOT the time suggested,far too late. All ours have been either morning, 10 till 12, over lunch so 12 till 2 or early afternoon 1 till 3. Don't organise one to finish later than 4:30, lots of the children are still young 4's, lots of people have more than one child and need to do dinner and bedtime routine and lots still go to bed very early.