Children begin school at the start of the academic year in which they will turn five years old and whether it is your first child is starting school or your fourth it is important that you choose the school that is right for your child. Our school website gives prospective parents a taste of what school life at Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School is like and the information on this page goes through the procedure and the children's eventual induction. If you have any questions then please don't hesitate to contact us.
Key Dates for Primary Transition (September 2024)
Friday 3rd November 2023 | School applications open
Throughout November | Individual school tours
Monday 15th January 2024 | School applications close
Monday 16th April 2024 | National Offer Day
Tuesday 30th April 2024 | Places must be accepted/refused
Applying for a Primary School
Choosing the Right School for your Child
When applying for a primary school, the most important thing is to ask yourself, 'Would my child be happy here?' and we would certainly encourage you to visit the school and to bring your child with you.
Across October and November, we offer parental tours for those families who are considering Bridge & Patrixbourne School for their children; these will be with James Tibbles (Headteacher) or Michael Taylor (Deputy Headteacher) and usually last approximately 45 minutes.
They are a great way to see the facilities that we have on offer; see the learning going on around the school and meet key members of staff - it's also an opportunity for you to ask questions to see if Bridge is the right school for your child.
Booking for September 2025 will open in October 2024.
We look forward to welcoming you to Bridge School.
Information for Starting School in September 2024
Once places have been confirmed, teachers will contact feeder nurseries and visit the children where possible. We have also put together a series of events to support the children (and parents) in starting school.
Tuesday 11th June 2024, 2.45pm | Storytime Session (Group A)
Thursday 13th June 2024, 2.45pm | Storytime Session (Group B)
Thursday 20th June 2024, 1.45pm | First 'Stay and Play' sessions for children (Group A)
Thursday 27th June 2024, 1.45pm | First 'Stay and Play' sessions for children (Group B)
Saturday 29th June 2024, 12pm | Bridge Village Fete at the school (there will be an area targeted for our new children between 12pm and 1pm)
Thursday 4th July 2024, 1.30pm | Transition into School Meeting for Parents / Second 'Stay and Play' session for children (Group A and B)
Monday 2nd September & Tuesday 3rd September 2024 | Parental Consultations
Wednesday 4th September 2024 | Year R children start (half-days): 9am to 11.45 or 12.30pm to 3.15pm
Monday 9th September 2024 | Year R children in school full-time (8.40am to 3.15pm)
Appeals
If your child is due to start Primary school in September 2024, you can appeal if you are refused a place at one of your preferred schools on National Offer Day (Tuesday, 16 April 2024). You needed to submit your appeal before Tuesday 14 May 2024 for it to be considered by Tuesday 16th July 2024. Any appeals received after this time will be heard within 40 school days from the deadline, or where reasonably possible in line with updated guidance from the Department for Education.
For late applications, appeals should be heard within 40 school days from the deadline for lodging appeals where possible, or within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged where reasonably possible in line with updated guidance from the Department for Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Year R children able to attend the Bridge Bees BASC (Breakfast & After School Club)?
Yes. As part of your welcome pack, there is a registration form for parents to complete. As your child will not yet be on our system, bookings will need to be made manually and this can be done by contacting Hannah Evans in the school office. More information can be found on the Bridge Bees pages of the school website.
There is also a holiday club at the school which Year R children can attend.
What are the lunch arrangements?
Children are entitled to free school meals for the first three years of their schooling and these are booked online using the ParentMail app. Instructions will be sent to parents how to register on ParentMail. More information about menu can be found on the School Meals page of the school website.
What are the expectations for homework in Year R?
Very informal. We encourage lots of speaking and listening in the home as well as activities that help develop children's social skills such as playing games that encourage turn-taking. Daily reading is also strongly recommended. More information can be found on our Home Learning page of the school website.
Do you have after-school clubs for children in Year R?
In the Autumn Term, no - we don't usually. We would normally have an extra-curricular club for Year R children after Christmas.
