Starting School New beginnings are on the way. Make sure your preparations are on the mark with our handy tick list. Our local schools have shown over this last year to be doing a great job at prioritising students’ and staff’s wellbeing. However if you’re a new parent whose just had to pick a school in the midst of the pandemic, where visiting and doing the usual meets and greets haven’t been possible, it must have been a scary task! Starting school is a nerve-wracking prospect but never more so than this September when we’re faced, perhaps still hidden behind a mask, with the current Covid pandemic. As we go to print, the lifting of restrictions are still up in the air, but many of our amazing local schools have been working tirelessly to put plans in place for all eventualities. Not only to help settle your children in to their new school but also keeping them safe whilst in their care. Many schools have tried to tackle the issue of not meeting in person or being able to visit the school, by adding virtual tour links to their school website so you and your child can have a look around. Although the usual new parents welcome evenings, open days or home visits may not be able to take place, many schools will be offering smaller open day sessions instead (subject to restrictions), much like they did last year. Schools will also be sending out letters of communication, doing their best to deal with any concerns you may have before they get to meet you. If you have questions though, do contact your school office for guidance. This year has been unprecedented, odd to say the least, but many of our schools have learnt valuable lessons from this last year and are in good stead to offer your child the very best start to their school life. The TW Magazine would like to wish all families starting primary and secondary school in September the very best of luck. Carly Gammage
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Getting ready for school tick list: If you’re not able to visit the school in person, take advantage of the virtual tours available on your school’s website. Ensure your child can go to the toilet independently and can wash their hands effectively by themself. Don’t leave buying new shoes till the last minute and encourage your child to wear them around the house to break them in before school starts. As well as walk-in appointments to get your children’s feet measured, both Clarks (01784 459385) and Johnson’s Shoes (01784 469474) in Staines allow you to book back-to-school appointments to avoid the queues. In the lead up to September, walk past school with your child, pointing out the gate they’ll go in at and the playground where they’ll be playing with their new friends to help get them familiarised. Order your school uniform in good time – School Uniform Direct in Staines (www.schooluniformdirect.co.uk) supplies 25 of the local schools. Shepperton Sports & Ski (www.sheppertonsportsandski.co.uk) covers the remainder of primary and secondary schools in the area.
The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames
