Starting Reception
We are delighted that your child has been offered a Reception place at Penryn Primary Academy starting in September 2026. We are very much looking forward to your child starting their learning journey with us. In preparation for their transition to our setting, here are some key dates for them and yourselves, an opportunity to see the provision as well as their new key adults.
Information Evening – Wednesday 3rd June 18:00 – 19:00
We invite you to meet the team and find out more about getting your child ready for school. There is no need to confirm your attendance, just come along to the main school entrance and we will sign you in.
Stay & Play Sessions – Tuesday 14th July and Wednesday 15th July 13:45-14:45
We would like to invite you and your child to our Stay and Play sessions on the above dates to meet the EYFS staff and to come and explore our provision (You are welcome to attend one or both sessions). There is no need to confirm your attendance, just come along to the main school entrance and we will sign you in.
Teddy Bear’s Picnic – Tuesday 21st July 13:45 – 15:00
We invite you and your child to spend an afternoon at school with the team. Please bring along a picnic blanket and some snacks to enjoy. During this session, we will be handing out their book bags for their start with us in September, in the bags will be resources to look at and use with your child over the summer. There is no need to confirm your attendance, just come along to the man school entrance and we will sign you in.
Skills to practise before starting Reception
We understand that all children develop at their own pace, and that we’re all learning from birth. When it’s time to start school, some children will need more help than others.
There are key skills that we expect children to be learning before their first day. Practising these will make your child’s journey to Reception as positive as possible.
If your child is already at nursery, in pre-school, or with a childminder, those professionals will work with you and your child to help get them ready.
There’s lots you can do at home to build your child’s confidence and independence, helping them feel emotionally and practically prepared to start school.
MC Grammar has partnered up with Best Start in Life to create a steps for school song, and it’s for you to watch and practise everyday skills with your child.
Find trusted tips, guidance and simple ideas to try at home at Best Start in Life:
The Potty-Training Guide
Potty training is an important milestone in your child’s development. We understand that all children develop at their own pace, but research shows it’s best for your child’s bowel and bladder health to stop using nappies, including reusable nappies, pull-ups and training pants, between 18 and 30 months.
It’s important that children are out of all nappies well in advance of starting Reception year in school. The only exception should be children with a diagnosed medical need, such as a bladder or bowel condition.
Being out of nappies not only helps children to feel confident, healthy and part of the group, it also means teachers can spend more time teaching and supporting children’s development in other ways.
The new, Government-backed guide to when and how to potty train your child.
Find trusted tips, guidance and simple ideas to try at home at Best Start in Life:
The Children's Toothbrushing Guide
Baby teeth aren’t just practice teeth. They help children bite and chew, support speech development, guide adult teeth into place and boost confidence when smiling. When teeth aren't cared for, it leads to tooth decay which can cause pain, infection and long-term oral health problems.
Find trusted tips, guidance and simple ideas to try at home at Best Start in Life:
Big Brush Club
At Penryn Primary Academy, we believe in teaching children the importance of brushing their teeth from a young age, as this helps to build good habits that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Big Brush Club is a supervised toothbrushing scheme funded by the NHS, being delivered to early years settings across the Southwest.
Here is a link to lots of helpful videos, links and information to help you and your child with their toothbrushing journey
Cool Milk Scheme
Cool Milk is the UK’s leading school milk supplier, working hand in hand with early years groups, schools, and local authorities. Free school milk is available for under-fives.
Register your child today!
Learning to Read at Home
At Penryn Primary Academy, we used a scheme called Read Write Inc to teach and writing to our pupils.
Here is a link to lots of helpful videos, guidance, free eBooks and information to help you and your child with their reading and writing journey.