Welcome to Mereside CE Primary Academy

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your family.

We understand that starting school, though exciting, can feel daunting for children and parents/carers alike! We aim to do all we can to make the transition into school as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Welcome Meeting and Welcome Packs

We will be holding a parents/carers only Welcome Meeting on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 from 2.00pm to 2.45pm. This will give us an opportunity to meet you all, share additional information with you and answer any queries you may have. It will also give you the chance to have a look around the school if you have not already done so and to meet the Early Years teaching team. School uniform will be available to look at during this session.

At the meeting on Wednesday 3rd June, you will be given a welcome pack. Please complete and return the forms to school by Friday 18th June 2026.

Email return

Our Early Years Team will soon begin the process of transition by visiting your child’s pre-school setting to discuss your child’s needs and, if possible, meet your child for the first time. To assist with this process, please email school, using the admissions@mereside.shropshire.sch.uk email address, no later than Monday 4th May 2026 with the name of your child’s pre-school setting. If your child does not attend pre-school, please let us know by email. We will be unable to place your child with their friends if we do not know their pre-school setting.

We would also like to ask for your permission to use your email address to set up internal school systems to communicate with you throughout transition. Please include in your email to school, whether you allow permission for your email address to be used.

Home Visit

We will also be offering you a home visit. The home visit is a short visit of about 15 minutes, where you and your child will be able to meet the class teacher and teaching assistant, who will be working with your child in September, in the comfort of your own home. This has proved to be a very positive way of developing the relationship between home and school. It also provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions or disclose any sensitive information. There will be an opportunity to book a home visit at the Welcome Meeting.

School Visits

School visits are another essential part of the transition process. They give children the opportunity to explore the reception environment alongside their teacher and future classmates. These visits take place on the dates below:

Thursday 25th June 4.00pm – 5.00pm Family Session: After school drop in session for children and parents/carers; a chance to meet other parents & carers

Tuesday 30th June 1.30pm – 2.30pm Afternoon Tea: Afternoon tea & stay and play session for children and parents/carers

Thursday 2nd July 1.30pm – 2.30pm Stay and Play: Session for children to spend time in their new class. Parents/carers to drop children off and return to collect them at 2.30pm

Tuesday 7th July 9.30am – 10.30am Stay and Play: Final session for children to spend time in their new class. Parents/carers to drop children off and return to collect them at 10.30am

If your child has any additional needs and you would like to meet with our school SENCO, Beth Bryant then please call 01743 356283 or email bryant.b@mereside.shropshire.sch.uk   

For any other queries regarding starting school, contact Bronwen Phillips, Early Years Teacher, on the phone number above or by email at  phillips.b@mereside.shropshire.sch.uk

 

School Readiness

Please use the link below to access guidance on helping yourself and your child feel ready for stating school in September. The document provides advice on Growing Independence, Building Relationships and Communicating, Physical Development and Healthy routines.

Starting-Reception