Joining us in Reception from September 2026
We are delighted that your child will be joining our school’s Reception team in September, and we are looking forward to getting, or in many cases, continuing to get to know them! Starting school should be a happy and exciting time for both your child and you. We know that you will have lots of questions to ask us and hope the information included will begin to answer at least some of those questions.
We will do our very best to make you and your child feel secure and valued and ready for the start of the new school year. Our aim is to provide your child with the very best education possible and we hope that you will work in partnership with us, to achieve this aim.
Parent/child interview:
Prior to the start of the Reception year, you will need to attend a parent/child interview. This will be a time for Reception staff to find out more about you and your child and to help them settle better. This will also be an opportunity to ask questions or discuss any concerns. If you have more sensitive matters that you would need to discuss with the Early Years lead and SENDCo, you will have the opportunity to meet them during the interview if you have not already been contacted.
Start Time:
Our doors open at 8:30am and stay open until 8:40am. Please ensure children arrive on time – we encourage children to arrive as early as possible so that they can access early morning activity. The day ends at 3.15pm.
For a smooth transition, we are providing staggered entry. Children in year reception will start 2nd of September in groups of 7 children a day. Children will stay full day 8.45-15.15.
School Dinners:
Your child is welcome to have school dinners – we provide halal dinners. If you wish your child to have a packed lunch from home, you must ensure this is nut-free, healthy and with only water to drink. At break time, the children are encouraged to have a piece of fruit or vegetable with a quarter of a bagel in the morning and milk in the afternoon. All is provided by the school free of charge. Your child can drink water during the day. We recommend reusable water bottles, and please make sure your child’s name is clearly labeled.
Uniform:
You will need to ensure that your child has all the uniform items before joining. You will be informed which day will be PE day when you start.
We are Proud to Announce our new Uniform Supplier for Gladstone Park Primary School is Ace Clothing.
To order uniform Online kindly use the link below
https://www.aceclothing.co.uk/school-uniform/gladstone-park-primary-school
You can also visit the store:
Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm
5A Courtenay Road
East Lane Business Park
East Lane
Wembley
HA9 7ND
+44(0) 208 045 0296
Other, non-branded items of school uniform can be purchased from a wide range of high street and second-hand retailers and are acceptable as part of school uniform. We have a limited supply of second-hand uniform at school for families in financial difficulties: please contact our welfare officer.
What Your Child Needs for School
Your child will need a set of spare clothes that will be kept in school so they can change if they get wet or have an accident. Please also provide wellington boots for outdoor play. All items must be clearly labelled with your child’s name.
The school provides puddle suits for every child, allowing them to take part in outdoor learning even in wet weather.
Each child should bring a school bag, preferably a book bag, which is large enough to hold A4 folders and school work comfortably.
We cannot stress enough the importance of labelling all your child’s belongings.
Reading and Learning:
At our school, we use a range of high-quality programmes to support your child’s learning and development:
Phonics and Early Reading – We follow the Little Wandle phonics scheme to support children in developing strong reading and writing skills.
Literacy – We use Literacy Tree to inspire a love of reading and develop writing through high-quality texts.
Mathematics – We use Effective Maths to build a strong understanding of numbers and problem-solving skills.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSHE) – We follow the Jigsaw programme to support children’s wellbeing and relationships.
Music – We use Kapow to provide engaging and creative music lessons.
Home learning
Class Library books – changed once a week on Tuesday (these books are for parents to read to their children or just look at the pictures and talk about them).
Online reading Collins - online reading one phonic book that your child already practised at school for 3 sessions.
Online math – numbots platform 5min a day.
Handwriting practise – worksheet every Friday
Login for your child will be in their reading record. Reading record books need to be kept in your child’s bag all the time!
Parent Staff Association
The Parent Staff Association (PSA) is a registered charity whose primary purpose is to fundraise for those little extras outside the school’s budget. We host several social fundraising events throughout the year to promote the school community. If you would like to find out more about Gladstone Park PSA, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at gladstoneprimary.psa@gmail.com.
Kind Regards,
EYFS and Admissions Team
