Wood Farm Starting Reception at Wood Farm
Check out our page with ideas of how prepare for Reception
A warm welcome to our new families 💛
We are delighted that your child will be joining Reception at Wood Farm Primary School. Starting school is a very special milestone, and at Wood Farm we understand that it can feel exciting, emotional and sometimes a little daunting – for children and parents alike.
Everything we do is grounded in our school values of Ambition, Beauty and Connection, and these values are at the heart of how we welcome children into Reception and help them flourish from the very beginning. Miss Jenkins, Mrs Dhaliwal and Miss Kemp, along with the rest of our Reception team takes great care to help every child settle happily into school life, building strong relationships from the very start.
Before September: getting ready together
We know that starting school can bring excitement, questions and sometimes worries. That’s why we help children and families get to know Wood Farm before the first day.
Before September, you can expect:
- Welcome to Wood Farm Stay and play sessions so children can meet staff and explore their new classroom in small groups.
- Opportunities to meet the Reception team and ask questions
- Our brilliant reception teachers visiting your child in their current setting to talk to their key person and begin getting to know them.
- Clear communication so you know what to expect and when, as well as practical information about routines, uniforms and what to bring.
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Plenty of chances for parents to ask questions and feel reassured
This early connection helps children arrive in September feeling secure, curious and ready to learn.
The first days and weeks in Reception 🌱
The start of Reception is carefully planned to help children feel confident and secure.
In the first few weeks, we focus on:
In the early weeks, we focus on:
- Connection – getting to know children and helping them form friendships, trust adults and feel that they belong
- Beauty – creating calm, welcoming spaces and joyful experiences that spark curiosity and creativity, and gently establishing new routines.
- Ambition – encouraging children to try new things, develop independence and build confidence through play, exploration and talk
Some children settle straight away, while others take a little longer – both are completely normal. Our experienced Reception team supports every child at their own pace, working closely with families throughout this important transition.
Learning in Reception
Reception follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, which means children learn through:
- Play and exploration
- Hands-on experiences
- Stories, songs and talk
- Outdoor learning
Supporting your child (and you!) 🤝
Starting school is a partnership between home and school. As parents you are fully part of our Wood Farm Primary School community and we encourage parents to talk to us openly about:
- How their child is feeling
- Any worries or changes at home
- What helps their child feel safe and settled
Once your child starts school, we use ClassDojo to share learning, celebrate achievements and keep in touch directly with your child's class teacher.
Practical information
You’ll receive clear guidance about:
- Uniform
- School routines
- Lunches and snacks
- Wraparound care (High Flyers After School Club)
All key information can also be found in the Parents section of our website.
You belong at Wood Farm 💚
Wood Farm is proud to be a diverse, inclusive and welcoming community. We celebrate children and families from many cultures, languages and backgrounds, and we believe that connection is at the heart of a great start to school.
If you have any questions at all – no matter how small they may feel – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your child to Wood Farm Primary School.
📩 Contact us
If you’d like to talk to someone about starting Reception, please contact the school office on 01865 762575 or email office.2589@wood-farm.oxon.sch.uk.
