Early Years Induction
Welcome to St Wulstan's
Starting school is an exciting milestone for both children and parents, and we are proud to welcome you into our school community. Our induction process is designed to help every child feel safe, confident and happy as they begin their journey with us.
We know that each child is unique, so we take time to get to know your child as an individual — their interests, routines and needs. By building strong relationships with families from the very beginning, we aim to ensure a smooth, positive transition into school life.
This section of our website will guide you through what to expect during induction, how we support children as they settle in, and how we work in partnership with you to make this important step a reassuring and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Parents of new starters are invited to our induction evening on Wednesday 10th June 2026 at 5.30pm for a warm welcome into our Saint Wulstan's family.
A full induction pack is available via Padlet. This is a one-stop platform with all of the forms to complete and information to read, alongside a wealth of signposting and useful information about starting school.
The link to this can be found here:
Saint Wulstan's Induction- September 2026
Before you start...
Induction supports a smooth, gentle transition into nursery, helping children build confidence before their learning journey begins in September. Before your child starts with us, you will be offered the following sessions
We invite you and your child to join us for a series of stay-and-play sessions. These relaxed sessions give you the chance to meet staff, explore the nursery environment, and see your child begin to settle into the space.
They also give us valuable time to observe your child’s interests and personality in a natural, play-based
setting.
Induction Meeting – Parents Only
Our Induction Meeting will take place on 10th June at 5.30pm. This is a more structured session where you will meet key staff and receive important information about your child’s start to school. During this meeting, we
will share details about:
• A day in nursery
• Uniform
• Tapestry and how we use it to share learning
• School dinners
• Care Club and wraparound provision
• Curriculum information
• Expectations for starting school
We kindly ask that children do not attend this meeting, as it allows us to share information clearly and gives you the space to ask questions without distraction.
We also offer home visits as part of our transition process. Meeting your child in their own home provides a calm, familiar space where they can begin forming a trusting relationship with their teacher. It also gives you
the opportunity to talk openly about your child’s needs, routines and strengths, ensuring we can support them fully from day one.
Questions Parents Often Ask
What if my child finds settling difficult?
This is very normal at this age. Our staff are experienced in supporting younger children and will provide comfort and reassurance throughout the day. We will keep you informed and work closely with you during this time, we know that this can be a tough time for parents as well as children.
Are Rising Three's part of Nursery?
Yes. Our Rising Three group is part of our Nursery provision and takes place within the main Nursery environment, supporting familiarity, consistency and a smooth transition.
How will I know how my child is doing?
We regularly share information about your child’s experiences, well being and progress through our online learning journal, Tapestry. We encourage open communication at all times.
What should my child bring to Nursery / Reception?
Your child should bring:
- A named coat
- Spare clothes (including underwear) in a kit bag to be left in school
- A book bag (daily for reception, on library day for nursery)
- Your child should come to school in PE kit on PE days (these will be confirmed in September)
- A named water bottle for reception children,
Please ensure everything is clearly labelled.
What if my child needs help with toileting?
Staff will support children sensitively with toileting routines. We encourage children to be as independent as possible, but help is always available. Accidents are treated calmly and discreetly, and parents will be informed if needed. If you child is currently in nappies, please see a member of the team who will be able to offer guidance and support for toilet training.