Enrolment Information

The Education Act sets out the purposes of an enrolment scheme, which are to prevent overcrowding at the school, to ensure that the selection of applicants for enrolment at the school is fair, and to ensure that the best use is made of existing networks of State schools. Students living within the Milford School zone have automatic right of entry under the scheme.

2025 ENROLMENT and STARTING PROCEDURES

Introduction of a Reception Room for new Year 1 and 0 learners

At Milford School, we are committed to providing the best possible start to your child’s educational journey. With this in mind, we are excited to introduce our Reception Room for our new starters in Years 1 and 0, which will open at the start of the 2025 school year. We are also introducing new intake dates for each term, of the Mondays of weeks 1 and 6.

What is a Reception Room?

The Reception Room is a dedicated classroom designed specifically to support children as they transition from early childhood education to primary school. This environment offers a gentle introduction to school life, allowing children to adjust at their own pace in a nurturing and supportive setting.

Why Are We Introducing This?

Starting school is a significant milestone in a child’s life, and we know that it can be both exciting and challenging. Research shows that a well-supported transition into school leads to better social, emotional, and academic outcomes for children. Our new Reception Room will help bridge the gap between ECE and the more structured environment of primary school.

In the Reception Room, your child will benefit from:

● Learning through play: A curriculum that builds on the play-based approaches common in ECE, allowing children to learn through exploration and creativity. Play is how children inquire into the world around them, with inquiry being the cornerstone of our PYP programme.

● Two Entry Intakes per term in week 1 and week 6: Group-based starting dates that enable your child to gradually become accustomed to school routines.

● Focus on Wellbeing: A strong emphasis on social and emotional wellbeing, helping your child to feel secure and confident as they start their school journey. Children will learn what it means to be at school, with a focus on turn-taking, sharing, contributing, independence, and problem-solving.

● An introduction to the structured literacy and maths approaches.

What Does This Mean for Your Child?

If your child is starting school in 2025, they will have two visits to school before they start school in the Reception Room on the Monday of Week 1 or Week 6 intake date each term. Our experienced and caring teacher will work closely with your child to ensure they feel comfortable and supported as they settle into school life. The Reception Room will operate as a stepping stone, preparing your child for a move into a Year 1 or Year 0 classroom, potentially after their first five weeks at school. You will be part of the transition to the class along with the teacher.

We believe that parents and whānau are vital partners in a child’s education. We encourage you to be involved in your child’s transition to school. Together, we can create a positive and enriching start to your child’s school experience.

Next Steps

If you have any immediate questions, please contact Sara Baker or Sherelyn Brits. We look forward to working with you and your child as they begin this exciting new chapter in their educational journey.

Ngā mihi nui,

Lucy Naylor Principal Milford School