Applying for a place

We are delighted you are considering applying for a place for your child in our school, whether that be for Reception 2025 or for a mid-year place. We would like to welcome you to The Epiphany Family.

We understand choosing a primary school for your child is an important decision. Over the Autumn Term, we warmly welcome parents and carers to come and visit. This is an opportunity to ask questions about our school and see the children learning. You will find out about our school values, school community and aspirations for our children, both academic and social.

Each tour will be led by a member of our Senior Leadership Team. Please ring the school office on 01202 530960 to book. Where possible, we do ask you to book a date when your child is at Nursery or able to be looked after. This is because you do go into lessons where our children are learning and would like as less distraction as possible. If this is not possible, please let the office know when booking your appointment. Babes in arms are permitted.

Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are in groups of six families. We aim to keep the tour groups small so everyone can ask any questions.

X - indicates dates and times unavailable.

Open Afternoon

We are hosting two 'Open Afternoons' where we would like to invite children and their parents and carers to visit the classroom and outdoor areas. This is less informative and an opportunity for your child to play and for you to observe them here at Epiphany. We ask you book via the school office so numbers are small and your child isn't overwhelmed. The dates are:

Thursday 24th October and Thursday 28th November from 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

Frequently asked questions

How many classes are there and what are the class sizes?

There are two classes of 30 children in each year group. Each class has a teacher and at least one Teaching Assistant per class.

School times

The gates open at 8.30 am reading for a 8.40 am start. Finishing times are 3.10 pm for Reception and Key Stage 1 and 3.15 pm for Key Stage 2.

Do you have a Breakfast/After School Club?

This is run by Foundation Sports. Breakfast club starts at 7.30 am and After School Club finishes at 6.00 pm. There are a few different time and costs to suit various options.

What food/drink can my child bring into school?

Fruit is given to the children but if you have a fussy eater, they can bring a snack pot containing raw fruit or veg. We ask all children bring a named water bottle with water only.

Will my child be given a free school meal?

You have the option to order a free school meal while your child is in Reception, year 1 and 2, under the Government's Universal Free School Meals. These are prepared by our wonderful kitchen staff led by Chef Andy. Menus are seasonal and are on a 3weekly basis and can be found on the website. Children do have the option to bring their own packed lunch. All children in Reception go into the Dining Hall to eat with their friends.

Do you have a school uniform? Where can I buy it?

Our school uniform is white shirt, grey trousers, tie and jumper. In the summer, there is a summer dress option and no tie. All the uniform and PE/Games kit can be obtained from CJI Sports.

Each child will be given a team colour. The children will ear a PE t-shirt of that colour, along with navy shorts and trainers. the games shirt is a navy-blue polo shirt. On the day they have their games lessons, they can come to school in their kit.

What happens if my child is unwell?

If they become unwell at school and need to go home, we will contact you. If they are unwell at home and unable to attend school, please phone the absence line to explain the reason for their absence.

Before starting school

When we have been informed of the final 60 children, we liaise with the pre-schools and nurseries, including taking advice regarding friendships. We will hold some 'Stay and Play' sessions where you can meet other families, ready to start the journey. We will invite you to a 'Welcome Evening' where you will be given an Admission Pack which confirms your child's class teacher, colour team and information.

If your child has any additional needs or medical conditions, it might be necessary to have a specific meeting, so we can fully prepare for your child before starting school. during the first two weeks in September, the teachers like to visit yourself and your child at home. We have found that the children feel relaxed at home and we can also answer any queries you may have. To help the children transition into school and learn new routines, rules, equipment, making friends, we hold two taster days, two colour teams on one day with the other two colour teams on the other day. The next day, the children will be attending school on a full-time basis. We finds this really supports the children's transition into school and has worked successfully for several years.

Will my child be in a class with their friends?

We speak to pre-school and nurseries about friendship groups along with parents for their views. Our Reception classroom is open plan and so the children do mix altogether during the day. Reception is all about making new friends as well. If you would like your child to be with a particular friend, please email the school office. We want your child to be as happy as possible.

What do the Reception children do all day?

Children learn through play. They do so much, even though they come home and say then have done nothing. Photos will be posted on the website on a Friday, where you can see all their learning and adventures.

How will I find out how my child is getting on?

Your child's class teacher will be on the gate every day for informal updates. We hold two formal Parent Consultations where you are invited into school to discuss your child's progress.

How will you challenge/stretch my able child? How will you support my child who has additional needs?

We ensure that all children have support whatever their ability. Teaching staff in school are very well equipped to work with all children, whatever their their starting point.

Do you teach other subjects?

The children have a full curriculum, including Spanish (from Year 3). We are also lucky enough to employ specialist Music Teacher and Games/PE Teacher.

How much sport/PE do you do?

We have a large field and where appropriate weather allows, this is taken advantage of for lessons. The children have a Games lesson and a PE lesson every week with the Games/PE teacher. In Reception class, they have one PE lesson, however the children often play as part of their wider EYFS curriculum.

My child is very young (born in August) - will they cope with full-time school?

Every year we get asked this. Almost all children will cope well and be ready to start school. The timetable in Reception is a mixture of adult led and child initiated (play) activities. Your child will be able to go at their own pace initially as they settle into school life. We are very happy to discuss this further with anyone.

Will I get in if I don't live in catchment?

Each year is different - depending on the number of 4-year olds living in the catchment area at the time. Some years we are oversubscribed. For the past two years we have taken a number children from out of catchment. Please follow advice provided by the Admissions Team at the Local Authority. Always choose three schools including your catchment school.

When will I know if my child has got a place?

The offer day is 16th April 2025. If you apply to BCP council online, you will receive an online response, otherwise you will receive a letter.

Important Dates to remember and links to further information:

Deadline to submit your application: Wednesday 15th January 2025

National Offer Date: Wednesday 16th April 2025

Admission Policy 2025-26

https://primarysite-prod-sorted.s3.amazonaws.com/the-epiphany-school/UploadedDocument/e97bd73d-a924-4444-8f5d-bf19b4eaafb2/admissions-policy-25-26.pdf

Admissions - BCP Council

https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Schools-and-learning/School-admissions/Apply-for-a-school-place/Apply-for-a-primary-infant-or-first-school-place.aspx