Admissions Policy
The Governors of the school have agreed an admissions policy, which is in accordance with the Dorset Education Authority. All children are admitted to school at the following times:
- September, on a part-time basis for all children whose 5th birthday falls on or between September 1st and August 31st of that academic year.
- All children whose 5th birthday falls between September 1st and March 31st become full-time in January.
- The children whose 5th birthday falls between April 1st and 31st August become full time in January in agreement with the class teacher and the parent.
Children moving into the area during the school year will be admitted to the school if there is an available space in their year group.
At St Ives we feel that it is important to build up a relationship between parents, children, their pre-school provider and the school. We work closely with them to ensure a smooth transition into the school. In the term prior to starting in our Reception class, we invite each child to attend several afternoon sessions where they come into school and enjoy some activities in preparation for September. They will meet each other and some of the teachers and become more familiar with the school building before their ‘big day’.
Prospective parents are encouraged to visit the school during school hours so that they may gain some insight into the daily workings of the school and see at first hand how children work and play. A personal appointment with the Headteacher can be arranged through the school office and is warmly recommended. We also hold a meeting for all new parents during the summer term before their child starts school where we can welcome new families, introduce ourselves and share ideas on how we can work together in preparation for starting school.
In September when the children start school they attend for five mornings each week in their first term before becoming full time.
As a school we value the knowledge that you have of your child’s specific needs and abilities and hope to work closely with you to ensure that, from the outset of their education, they are happy and challenged.