Reception Admissions 2021
Welcome to Harpenden Academy and we are very much looking forward to welcoming all our new families to our school community.
We were unable to meet many of you as we had to cancel some of our open days due to COVID19 guidelines. During the Lockdown period we produced a virtual tour of the school that we hope delivers an informative view of our school. The virtual tour is presented by our Headteacher, Mrs Davies, who guides you around our school. You will visit our EYFS teaching team and our current Reception class and you will be introduced to key members of staff. You will get to see some of our children at work and play as well as get a good oversight of our school building both internally and externally. You will even meet our school dog, Rosie Red!
From September 2011 all primary schools must offer children a full-time place at the start of the September term. However, legally children do not have to be in full-time education until the term after their 5th birthday. Delaying your child’s entry into school is called ‘deferred entry’. You can request this, but your child must start before the end of the school year during which they turn 5. The expectation is all those starting in September will attend full days but if you are a parent of a summer born child and have concerns over full school days please talk to us.
Virtual Parent Information Evening, Thursday 24th June 2021 at 6.30pm
We will be holding a virtual parent information evening on Thursday, 24th June at 6.30pm on the advice of Herts County Council. All parents will have been sent a meeting link by our preadmission app, 'Operoo.' Please contact the office if you have not received your email.
This is a perfect opportunity for parents to meet our EYFS Teaching Team for the first time and to hear how the Reception year unfolds. The meeting will be hosted by our EYFS Lead, Mrs Aylott who teaches the Reception class from Monday - Thursday. You will meet the whole EYFS Teaching Team: Mrs Haines who teaches the children on a Friday and Mrs Welch, our full time Teaching Assistant. There will be an opportunity for a Q&A session at the end. We ask all parents to kindly disable their cameras and mute their microphones.
If you have any queries then please do not hesitate to contact our office team by email on office@harpendenacademy.co.uk or by phone on 01582 716910.
Mrs Aylott has prepared a pre-recorded guide for anyone who was unable to make the meeting. Please click below to watch the video.
Mrs Aylott, Parent Information Pre-recording
Goody Bag
Parents usually leave our information meeting with a goody bag filled with key information and something special for the children joining us in September. If you would like to collect your child's goody bag then please ring the office on 01582 716910 to organise a collection time. The goody bags will be ready for collection from Tuesday, 29th June, next week.
Teddy Bear's Picnic, 8th July - cancelled
In addition, following the government guidance we sadly need to cancel the teddy bear’s picnic.
FoHA Summer Social, 9th July, cancelled
We have cancelled our summer social organised by the Friends of Harpenden Academy (FoHA). The FoHA will be planning summer picnics over the holiday period. Each week a date for a meet up in a different park in and around Harpenden will be scheduled. The meet-ups are for anyone to attend (ie.not specific to year groups etc.) and will be hosted by a FoHA Committee member or a Class Rep. Details to follow.
Sadly, with case numbers rising and the extension of restrictions by another 4 weeks, we felt it would be irresponsible to continue with our plans.
Virtual Tour
Uniform
A very high standard of uniform is expected at all times throughout the school day and on the way to and from school.Please ensure that all items of uniform and equipment are clearly marked with your child’s name.
All items can be obtained from the school suppliers:
School Uniform Preloved
Looking for a bargain? Visit our pre-loved uniform page. Uniform items will be available to pick up from the school office within two business days. Returns or exchanges are accepted for unworn items. Please email friendsofharpendenacademy@gmail.com with enquiries and we will be happy to help.
STEVENSONS
Established in St Albans in 1925
10 Leyton Rd, Harpenden AL5 2TL, 01727 853262
7 Acrewood Way, St Albans, AL4 0JY
https://www.stevensons.co.uk/our-branches/harpenden/45
Monday-Friday 9.00am-5.30pm
Saturday 9.00am-5.30pm
Please click here to see our uniform guidelines.
School Tour Reception Prospective Parents September PPT 2021
Primary Parent Information Booklet
EYFS Reception Teacher Passports
Actions for Reception Parents
Copy of email sent to all parents 4th May 2021
Congratulations your school place at Harpenden Academy has been allocated and we are truly looking forward to welcoming all our new children and families into our Reception Ladybird class in September 2021. You will already have acknowledged the offer of your child’s place through the County Admissions processing system. There are a few actions that we need parents to do to complete the application process and to ensure that you have all the information you need for a seamless and informed transition to our Reception class:
| 1 | Login to Operoo and verify account information by Friday, 21st May 2021 |
| 2 |
Read your Parent Information Booklet once you have verified the Operoo account This booklet is a parent guide which will tell you everything you need to know about Harpenden Academy and our Reception induction. |
| 3 | Primary Data Collection Form to be submitted via Operoo by Friday, 21st May 2021 |
| 4 | RSVP to Teddy Bear’s Picnic by completing the e-form via Operoo by Friday, 21st May |
| 6 | If eligible, apply for Free School Meals |
We do hope you find this information useful; if you have any questions please do feel free to email us on office@harpendenacademy.co.uk or to phone the school office between 8.00am-4.00pm.
