Reception Intake 2025/26
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our school website, your go-to resource for all things Eastbury! Here, you'll find a wealth of information about the daily operations of our school, as well as comprehensive details about our curriculum and teaching methods.
Below, you'll discover answers to frequently asked questions, providing insights that we hope will answer your queries and offer a glimpse into the vibrant atmosphere of our school.
How can I help my child be ready for starting Primary school?
Parents and carers can support their child's readiness for starting school by focusing on several key areas throughout the upcoming year. Prioritising the development of independence skills, language proficiency, social skills, and speaking and listening abilities lays a strong foundation for their journey ahead.
What is your admission process for Eastbury Community School?
The local authority, Barking and Dagenham, serves as the admission authority for all community schools within the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. This entails the council's responsibility for establishing admission criteria and determining which children are admitted to this school.
Please note that if your child secures a place at Eastbury Community School and you have another child attending a different primary school, they will not automatically be guaranteed a place here. We maintain waiting lists for all year groups, and our school is currently at full capacity.
Do you stagger the intake for children starting in Reception, in September?
In September, we offer a settling-in period for children entering Reception. This includes half days, gradually increasing over a two-week period. This approach provides children with the necessary time to adjust to their new routine and environment.
Do you have a before and after school club?
Certainly! Yes, we offer WRAP Around Care services for our pupils. Our Breakfast Club starts at 7:50 am and concludes at 8:45 am, just in time for the start of the school day. Breakfast Club is priced at £5. Our After School Club commences immediately after school and concludes at 5:30 pm, priced at £10. For further details, please visit the school office.
What do you have in place for lunches?
Children have the option to bring a packed lunch to school or order a school meal. Additionally, all children are entitled to receive a universal free school meal.
Furthermore, children from families receiving certain benefits are eligible for Free School Meals, and we can assist families in ensuring they receive this benefit when their child starts school.
In promoting healthy eating habits, we encourage packed lunches to consist of nutritious items. Therefore, we do not permit sweets, chocolate bars, or fizzy drinks. Children should also bring a water bottle to school. Please ensure that all items brought from home are labelled with your child’s name.
How do you support children with SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities)?
We provide support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through our school's own provisions, making appropriate adjustments to our curriculum and resources. If your child has an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP), they will receive support in accordance with the specifications outlined in the plan.
How do you support children with medical needs?
We have several students in the school with various medical requirements, including asthma and allergies. In cases where a child has a specific medical condition such as a nut allergy, our school nurse collaborates with parents and staff to create an individualised Health Care Plan. This plan ensures that staff are aware of and able to accommodate the child's needs effectively.
To maintain a safe environment, all menus provided by the school are nut-free. We kindly request that parents refrain from sending their children to school with any food containing nuts.
How do you safeguard children?
We have a dedicated safeguarding team along with established policies and procedures designed to ensure the safety of our children. These measures help us identify children and families who may require additional support and intervention.
What is your curriculum?
We adhere to the Early Years curriculum (Development Matters) for our Reception children and transition to the National Curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6. In Reception, our curriculum revolves around continuous provision, featuring a blend of adult-led and child-led activities planned within a topic-based framework throughout the day.
Which Phonics programme do you use?
At ECS, we use the Sounds-Write Phonics programme to support children in developing strong reading and spelling skills. This structured and systematic approach helps children build confidence in recognising sounds, blending them to read words, and segmenting them to spell.
Here is the link to the Sounds-Write course: Sounds-Write course for Parents and Carers - FREE!
We encourage you to complete this free course, as it will provide valuable insights into how we teach phonics at school. This will enable you to support your child effectively on their reading journey.
How do you share information with parents about their children’s learning and progress?
We offer parent consultations during the autumn and spring terms. In the summer term, parents receive a comprehensive report detailing their child’s progress and achievements throughout the year.
Parents have opportunities to engage with staff throughout the year, and staff may reach out to parents if there are any matters to discuss. Additionally, we utilise online platforms for communication. In Early Years, we primarily use Tapestry, where we also share photos of your child's experiences at school. From Year 1 to Year 6, our main communication platform is Class Dojo.
Do you provide extracurricular activities?
Yes, we provide a variety of clubs throughout the school year, such as Athletics Club, Radio Club, and STEM Club.
What are the school times?
Our school operates from 8.45am to 3.15pm
Do the children wear uniform?
Our school has a mandatory uniform that all children are required to wear. Please see the details below for information on our uniform and where it can be purchased.
