Starting School

At Cropthorne we pride ourselves on our fantastic early year’s provision. We are able to teach our Reception children in a beautifully equipped spacious classroom, set up to provide a stimulating, creative environment for our young learners. 

The children are taught by Mrs Katy Raybould, ably assisted by Mrs Michelle Annis,  Mr Guy Ramus and Mrs Ann-Marie Freeman. All children start full days in September but we recognize that full time education can be a shock to the system and we encourage the odd afternoon at home for the first term if they are tired, since we all know how fragile we can be on little sleep! Free school dinners are provided through Pershore High School. However, if you have a ‘fussy’ eater you’re welcome to provide a packed lunch for your child.

The school is familiar to many of our new children already, since our local pre-school uses our Forest School. Mrs Raybould and Mrs Smith, our Headteacher, visit the pre-school through the year to get to know the children, and the new intake are invited to visit “big school” for several afternoons in the summer term, and then for the full ‘induction day.’ Mrs Raybould is also available for home visits if you would like the opportunity to discuss your child’s needs more closely, or if you feel that your child would benefit from meeting their teacher on a more individual basis.

There is a evening up at school in the summer term to introduce everybody to each other, and to discuss school-life. We pride ourselves on our communication with parents throughout their time in Cats Class (such as through Mrs Raybould’s weekly information letter), and parents are able to talk to staff whenever necessary.

Reception children are known as ‘The Cats’ and their classroom is a fantastic place to be. Learning is done through play, exploration, and interactive teaching, and the children are given lots of support from our enthusiastic and dedicated staff. They have great opportunities, from learning outside at Forest School, to exciting P.E. lessons and fun phonics. The children quickly become settled into our friendly school, where both the children and the staff welcome them, and they become part of our large school family. The best way to understand our class and school is to visit us; we will be very happy to welcome you.

Follow this link to find out more about Charlton pre-school: www.charltonwithcropthornepreschool.co.uk