What questions should I ask about reception?

[bangingmyheadoffabrickwall]

My son is starting reception in September and the parents information evening is coming up.

What questions and queries did everyone ask at their school's information meeting?

I am concerned about outdoor provision. But not sure how to word my question/query. The outdoor area that the children use for 'free-flow' or 'child-initiated play' is very, very small.

Just wanting to know what to ask and look for as a parent.

"Given that the outdoor space seems quite small, how do you ensure they are outside enough?" (mind you, that would be the least of my questions)

I would want to know:

• what would you like them to be able to do when they start
• when will they get reading books, and how often are they changed
• do you give guidance on how we can help our children learn phonics / to read
• do we need to provide water bottles
• what is your policy on handing out party invitations and/or sweets/cake on birthdays
• what if school is too tiring for my pfb
• how/when can we communicate with you (method / best time of day)

hth

mine's starting in september too. These are some of the questions I asked or I wished I asked

what are the routines in the morning/ afternoon
where do they have all their playtimes
where do they have their lunch
how soon do they start activities outside classroom (eg PE, music that might be unsettling at first)
how much of the day do they have access to the outdoor play area (is it free flow)