Reception Entry
Welcome to Reception
A happy and confident start to school
We are delighted that your child will be joining our school and becoming part of our Prep School community. This page contains useful information about uniform, daily routines, reading, home learning, key dates and what to bring to school.
Preparing for Reception
Before You Start
Starting school is a big milestone, and we’re here to make the transition as smooth as possible. Please take a few moments to read through this information before your child’s first day.
Complete the joining forms
Please make sure that all required joining forms have been completed and returned before your child starts school. This includes sharing any relevant medical, dietary and care information with the school.
Prepare uniform and PE kit
Your child will need the correct school uniform, a complete PE kit in their PE bag and a spare T-shirt and trousers in case of any accidents on their first day.
Name every item
Please clearly name all clothing, shoes, water bottles, book bags and other belongings.
Set up school communications
Make sure you can access parent communications. Please check the Parent Portal regularly for your child’s credits, half-termly reports and key dates.
Check arrival and collection arrangements
Familiarise yourself with the school’s drop-off and collection arrangements before the start of term.
Building confidence
Skills to practise at home
Before September, it can be helpful to encourage your child to practise a few simple everyday skills.
- Putting on and taking off their coat and shoes
- Using the toilet independently where possible
- Recognising their first name
- Knowing their surname
- Using a knife and fork
Every child settles at their own pace. Some children walk in confidently on their first day, while others may need a little extra reassurance. We will support every child as they begin this exciting new chapter.
Preparing for Reception
Uniform and Equipment
The uniform guide contains the full Reception uniform list, sizing advice, ordering information and details of approved school items. Please read the guide before placing your order.
Create an account
Add your child’s school, age and year group to display the correct Reception items.
Choose the correct size
Use Perry’s i-Size service with your child’s measurements or select sizes manually.
Check and label
Try everything on when it arrives and clearly name all clothing, footwear, bags and equipment.
Reception checklist
Uniform and equipment overview
This is a brief summary of the main items your child will need. Please refer to the uniform guide for the complete list, quantities and approved products.
Uniform options
Children may wear either the complete trouser uniform or the complete skirt uniform.
The main items include white polo shirts, school red jumpers, black shoes and the red fleece-lined coat, together with either charcoal-grey shorts or trousers, or the school kilt.
A red school dress with white socks may also be worn during the Summer Term.
Sports kit
All pupils need: red sports shirts, white PE socks, indoor and outdoor trainers, a red tracksuit top, plain black tracksuit bottoms, and a named swimming bag with a towel, goggles and swimwear.
Depending on the chosen uniform option, pupils will also need either black school PE shorts and swimming jammers, or black cycling shorts or a school-branded skort and a plain black swimsuit.
Additional items
- Device for Learning Read the device guide
- Wellington boots
- School book bag
- Named water bottle
- Optional school hat
- Optional legionnaire sunhat for summer
Approved school items
Some basic items may be purchased from any high-street retailer. School-branded and approved-pattern items must be purchased through Perry Uniform or the School Shop.
The uniform guide explains which items must be of the approved school pattern or colours.
Reception 2026–2027
C.A.S.E. Activities
Creative • Active • Service • Enrichment
Optional C.A.S.E. activities run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. They give children the opportunity to explore new interests, build confidence and enjoy learning beyond the classroom.
Monday
Drama Club
RJ
Prep Library
Tuesday
Curiosity Carnival
Science Club
FS
Partridge 2 / Prep Science Lab
Wednesday
Languages Club
FS
Partridge 2
Thursday
Art Club
JR
Prep Art Room
Friday
Children can choose from the following activities:
Reception 2026–2027
Key Dates
Please make a note of the main term dates and school closures below. Further dates and reminders will be shared through the Parent Portal.
Autumn Term
2026- Thursday 3 September
- Term begins
- Friday 16 October – Sunday 1 November
- Half Term
- Friday 11 December
- Term ends at 13:00
Spring Term
2027- Tuesday 5 January
- Term begins
- Friday 12 February – Sunday 21 February
- Half Term
- Thursday 25 March
- Term ends at 13:00
Summer Term
2027- Tuesday 20 April
- Term begins
- Friday 28 May
- Half Term
- Friday 2 July
- Term ends at 13:00