A warm welcome, from the very beginning

As a school at the heart of a growing new-build community, we are delighted to welcome children and families to St Peter’s throughout the school year. Many of our pupils join us as in-year transfers and we are proud of the way our children and families make new pupils feel part of our community from their very first day.

We know that moving schools can feel like a big step for both children and parents. Our aim is to make the process as smooth, positive and welcoming as possible, helping every child to feel that they belong at St Peter’s.

And, importantly, our in-year pupils thrive here. Nearly 20% of children who have joined us mid-year have made accelerated progress since joining St Peter’s, demonstrating how quickly children can settle, engage with learning and flourish within our school community.

Your child’s journey to St Peter’s

Come and have a look around

We warmly welcome prospective families to visit St Peter’s before making the move. You and your child can book a tour with our Head of School, Mrs Morris, to meet members of our team and see our classrooms and facilities in action.

We know that visiting the school can help children to feel more comfortable about the changes ahead and gives parents the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

Before your child starts

Once your child has a confirmed place, we will work with you to make their transition as straightforward as possible. We will make sure you have the information you need about school routines, uniform, lunches, clubs, communication and anything else that will help your child get ready for their first day.

Your child will also be joined to their class Class Dojo before they start. This means that you can communicate directly with their class teacher from the beginning and stay connected with what is happening in their classroom.

Their first day

On their first day, your child will be welcomed by their teacher and classmates and introduced to a buddy. Their buddy will be there to help them settle in, show them around and answer those important questions that only another child can answer!

Their buddy will also give them a tour of the school, helping them to find key places such as the toilets, lunch hall, playground and classrooms. Having a familiar face alongside them can make a big difference during those first few days.

At the end of the afternoon, your child’s class teacher will be there to welcome you and have a quick chat about how they have settled in, giving you the opportunity to hear about their experiences and ask any questions.

Helping them settle in

We understand that every child is different. Some children will quickly feel at home, while others may need a little more time and reassurance. Our staff will keep a close eye on how new pupils are settling socially and academically and will provide support wherever it is needed. Within their first few weeks at St Peter’s, we baseline each new pupil and assess their learning to build a clear picture of what they already know, understand and can do. This helps teachers identify their strengths, recognise any gaps in learning and understand where they need further support or challenge. We can then make sure that teaching is carefully matched to their individual needs and that they can make strong progress from the point they join us.

We will make sure your child knows who they can talk to if they have a question, concern or simply need a little help. Our strong sense of community means that looking after one another is part of everyday life at St Peter’s.

As your child settles in, you will also have regular opportunities to communicate with their teacher through Class Dojo or at the beginning and end of the school day.

A community where children belong

Joining a new school is about much more than changing classrooms. It is about finding new friends, becoming part of a community and feeling confident enough to learn, explore and be yourself.

At St Peter’s, we are proud to welcome families at every stage of their school journey. Whether your child joins us in Reception or transfers to us later in their primary education, we want them to feel that they are part of St Peter’s from day one.

We can't wait to welcome you to our community.

Key information to parents: