Welcome to Kintbury St Mary’s Primary School

We are delighted that you have chosen to send your child to Kintbury St Mary’s Primary School in September 2025. The whole staff team is very much looking forward to meeting you soon, as we begin this exciting educational journey together. We understand that starting school can bring a mix of emotions for children. To support this important transition, we have put together a programme designed to help ease any worries and ensure your child feels safe, welcomed, and ready to start school life with confidence. We are committed to making the transition as smooth and positive as possible for every child.

Parents’ Information Evening

We warmly invite you to an information briefing on Tuesday 17th June, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, in our school hall. This relaxed yet informative evening will give you the opportunity to meet the EYFS team, learn more about life at Kintbury St Mary’s, and ask any questions you may have. You’ll also be taken on a tour of the school, including the EYFS classroom. Please confirm your attendance by contacting Mrs Smith in the school office at office@kintbury.w-berks.sch.uk. If you're unable to attend, the presentation will be made available on our website.

Nursery Visits

To help ensure a smooth and supportive transition, Miss Court has spoken with each of the nurseries and preschools our new starters currently attend and will be visiting each setting during the first few weeks of June.

Monday Stay and Play

This year, we are pleased to offer additional Stay and Play sessions alongside our usual transition timetable. These sessions will run every Monday afternoon from 1:00pm to 3:00pm until Monday 30th June, providing even more opportunities for your child to explore the school environment, make new friends, and feel confident ahead of starting in September.

Stay and Play Sessions

Alongside our Monday afternoon sessions, we’re pleased to offer two additional Thursday Stay and Play sessions on 19th June and 26th June, both from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. These sessions help children become familiar with the classroom, meet new friends, and start to feel confident in their new surroundings. On Thursday 26th June, we kindly encourage parents to leave their child for the duration of the session. This gentle step towards independence is an important part of preparing for September, and our team will be there to support every child throughout.

Whole School Moving Up Morning

The whole school will be taking part in Moving Up Morning on Thursday 3rd July. Please arrive at the reception classroom gate at 9:15am. Children can be collected from the same gate at 11:00am.

Home Visits
Miss Court will be in touch after half term to arrange a home visit during the week beginning 1st September. These short visits provide a valuable opportunity for a one-to-one chat and allow us to begin building a trusting relationship with your child in a familiar setting. We hope this will help make the move to ‘big school’ as smooth and reassuring as possible.

Starting School in September

To help ease the transition, children will follow a reduced timetable during the first week, allowing them time to settle in and become familiar with school routines and expectations in a calm and supportive way. During the afternoons that week, Miss Court and a member of the Early Years Team will be carrying out home visits, providing an opportunity to get to know your child in a comfortable and familiar environment. The whole class will come together for their first full day on Monday 8th September, ready to begin their school journey as a team.

One Last Surprise…
As a special welcome gift from the PTA, this year all of our new Hedgehogs will receive a FREE water bottle and a Kintbury St Mary’s bookbag, as well as a voucher for one free session at The Den.

We look forward to getting to know you and your child over the coming months. If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Warmest wishes,
 

Miss Court and the Kintbury St Mary’s Early Years Team

🌟 Stay & Play for KSM 2025 School Starters 🌟

We’re excited to welcome our 2025 September starters and their families to the Kintbury St Mary’s community!  Starting school is such a special moment, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you! To help your little ones settle in, we’re hosting Stay & Play sessions starting Monday, 28th April. These sessions are a great way for your child to explore the school, meet new friends, and start feeling at home before September.

Stay & Play Dates:

• Monday 28th April – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Monday 12th May – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Monday 19th May – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Monday 2nd June – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Monday 9th June – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Monday 16th June –1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Monday 23rd June –1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Monday 30th June –1:00pm – 3:00pm

Please note: There will be no session on Monday 5th May due to the Bank Holiday, and none on Monday 26th May as it falls during Half Term.

These sessions are optional, but we’d love for you to come along! They’ll run alongside our usual transition arrangements, giving your child even more chances to become familiar with school life.

If you’d like to attend, please let the school office know. We’re really looking forward to meeting you and your little ones! Do get in touch if you have any questions.