Anyone have a child starting in Reception this Sept?

[Justjoinedforthis]

Just wanted to commiserate with someone. I am feeling so stressed about the timings - I am going back to work after mat leave in Sept, and am panicking that I won't know which days the school will do for ages, and that this will cause issues with going back.

Then there is the double whammy of being offered a (slightly depressing) school that involves crossing six lanes of traffic to get to, and we are 9th on waiting list for closer school. Do people think waiting lists will be affected, or will children still be able to move schools easily in the first term?

Also apparent lack of visiting the school is bumming me out. They sent a really drab video which doesn't seem so welcoming.

I will also need after school childcare for two days, but don't even know what days, or what school, so struggling to arrange it. I hate doing things last minute.

I know everyone is in similar situations, and I just need to wait it out, but just felt like some human interaction on the subject.

Not a reception starter but you are far from alone. I have three children at 2 schools and no idea what they might be offered in September, and the before/after school clubs are shut - just "sorry, we can't offer anything to parents at x school" (that's our reward for the last 9 years of supporting them). The only thing we know is that if social distancing is in place it will be very part time. We can't make other plans until we know what we are trying to work around. It sucks!

That must be stressful for you! I just wish there was a published plan - for example, when transmission is at X / social distancing can be relaxed in schools. They are just making it up as they go along...Cummings uses data science based on public opinion to react to everything

I’ve got a reception starter (& two other kids), haven’t heard a word from school about R starting except that the secretary told me they may do a very long transition & not start R till after half term. Then emailed me a uniform order form but I think I will wait till I have actually been informed my children are allowed to go to school again...

Blimey, hadn't even thought of that! How frustrating for you.

Our school is trying to make preparations for September, as they would always do before breaking up for the summer. Unfortunately, they're not going to be able to put many things in place until final guidelines can be issued, and obviously this will be dependent on numbers and the science.

Every school will be different, but the thinking is ours will be open to all years, but it'll be on a two week rota, ie one week in, one week out.

We've been given a generic pack which basically is a million ways to tell is how important attendance is...

Otherwise, expecting a call this week from teacher and will ask if they are doing video intro calls as don't want DD starting with no visual as to who her teacher is: They aren't doing the normal transition sessions they would in July.

I also intend to ask for full explanation about times/breakfast and after-school clubs (at least in 'normal' circumstances even if these are reduced at the moment). It has an impact on my working hours and I need time to negotiate...

My daughter is a current reception child. I have quite close contact with the SLT as she has additional needs. They are desperately trying to figure transition for both those already in school and new starters. The only thing they have realistically been able to plan is the 1 to 1s for kids who need them so my DD met her new 1 to 1 today. The rest there is about a million possible variables and who knows what the government will say

My sons school emailed us with the information we'd need. We also had to arrange a phone appointment with his teacher to have a chat about everything, as settling in days can't be done. (All parents of reception starters have been advised to do so). They have also said they will keep us updated as they get further information.
Thankfully we went to the open day last year during which we were shown round the whole school during school hours, spoke to the reception teacher briefly and the head gave a talk and we asked her questions after. We were also given a welcome pack with all necessary information.
Will have to wait and see what happens in September.

My dd is going up to year 1 and I honestly have no idea either. I have seen a TA job I fancy for a SEN role but seems pointless to apply if I dont know where dd will be or about wrap around care. Its frustrating. I might apply for the role but if I get it, my dd cant join in a key worker bubble as they are taking on new key workers.

Not buying uniform, shoes either

legoandloldolls yeah I just didn’t apply for a job because I have no school places for 3 kids. In theory I could have a place because DH is a keyworker but they are full. And just no idea about what will happen in Sept.

My 4yo is starting reception in September.

We’ve had NOTHING from the school. No communication at all. Nothing.

Wow, I can relate. My little one starts Reception in the fall. I also return from Maternity Leave in Sept!

I decided to make my return date the 3rd week in Sept just because I couldn't predict what the settling days would look like. I haven't heard that there would or wouldn't be settling in days.

Like you, we did not get into our preferred school. Though I checked today and we have moved up a little bit on the waitlist. I hope you also get into the closer school.

In normal times, I would have popped in to meet the teacher in advance and let the little one have a chance to at least see where the toilets are! Not sure what settling in could look like. I haven't asked.

I haven't arranged wrap around care yet. I do not know if it is on or not. I can't recall if I saw the Reception students in uniform either.

Due to return from maternity leave in September also.

We got our welcome pack for DS1 today from the school, I need to read through it properly but all they've said is that they won't be doing any settling but nothing regarding contact from the teachers, but I suppose it's still not concrete yet which teachers will return and when.

I’m (fortunately) on mat leave with a newborn so the logistics are a little bit easier. Middle DC is due to start reception in September, and we have had a worksheet for him to fill out and return to school. Draw a picture, write their name etc

I’m a school governor at my DCs’ school (and I work in central government) so I have a little bit more insight into the decision making process but the reality is that it’s all a little bit too uncertain to make concrete plans right now.

The government will likely favour an approach that allows people to go back to work, so focusing on the younger age groups that make it impossible to work from home effectively.