Starting School in September 2026

Congratulations on securing a place at Ladysmith! 

We are delighted to welcome you and your child to Ladysmith Infant & Nursery School and would like to thank you for choosing us for your child’s Reception year, beginning in September 2026. In our setting, we are fully committed to providing a calm, supportive environment where children feel secure, confident and ready to learn from the very beginning of their school experience. We know that joining a new school is an important and exciting milestone, and we feel privileged that you have entrusted us with the next stage of your child’s learning journey.  

Further, more in depth, information on everything school related can be found by exploring our website. If you have any questions, queries or concerns please speak to the school office, who will be happy to help.

Key dates: 

Stay & Play Sessions 

Stay & Play sessions are exactly as they sound, parents and children come to the school to play in a relaxed and informal setting, spending time growing confident in the new environment with a parent or carer. The reception team will be there so that we can all start getting to know each other.

Parents’ Information Meeting

This important meeting shares all you need to know about your child’s first year at school. We kindly ask that, where possible, you do not bring your children to this meeting and arrange alternative childcare during this time as there is a lot of information to share, and we anticipate lots of you to be in attendance.  

At this meeting you will have the opportunity to: 

• Meet key staff and liaise with our Inclusion Team
• Meet members of our Governing Board 
• Buy Pre-loved uniform from our PTA 
• Ask any questions that you may have 

School Uniform 

Our school uniform is a burgundy jumper or cardigan with school logo, a white or burgundy polo shirt, black or grey trousers, skirt or pinafore dress and white, grey, burgundy or black socks or tights with sensible smart black flat shoes.

Branded uniform is available to buy at Thomas Moore shop in Exeter and our PTA sell pre-loved uniform. More information can be viewed here Uniform

What to bring to school each day (all items must be named) 

• Water bottle 
• Healthy snack (e.g. fruit, YoYo Bear, rice cakes, crackers) 
• Bookbag  
• During summer – labelled sun cream and sun hat. Please apply sun cream to your child before school. 

Snacks & School Lunches 

Children in Reception, up to their 5th birthday, are provided with free milk whilst as school. In addition, all children in Reception – Year 2 are provided with free fruit at snack time and can order a free, Universal Infant Meal at lunchtime or bring in a packed lunch from home. We are a healthy eating and nut free school. Please ensure your child’s food items do not contain nuts, please check any packaged food items.  

If your child has any food allergies or intolerances, please speak to your child’s teacher and notify the school office so that we can ensure this information is recorded on your child’s records. 

More information can be viewed here School Meals

Free School Meals & Pupil Premium 

Even though all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can order a free Universal Infant Meal, if you are on a low income or in receipt of benefits it is important that you make an application to be registered as entitled to Free School Meals. This will ensure the school receives Pupil Premium funding which is used to directly support your child. 

More information can be viewed here Pupil Premium

My Child At School App (MCAS) 

Further information will be sent to you in June about setting up the MCAS app. 

More information can be viewed here MCAS

School Payments  

We are a cashless school and all payments are made via the MCAS app. You can order school lunches, give consent and pay for school trips & Clubs, book parents evening all through the MCAS app.

School Communication - how we stay in touch with you  

Our primary method of communication is messaging via the MCAS app, so it is essential you download and turn on notifications in the app.  We also send emails and post all relevant information on our website. Regular newsletters can be found on the Newsletters page of our website.  

Tapestry Learning Journey 

Reception also use an app called Tapestry. This is where you can view, and add to, your child’s learning journey. Further information will be sent to you in June about setting up the Tapestry app. 

Wraparound Care 

Our wraparound care is provided by Devon's largest provider, FISH Kids (Fun In School Holidays).  They run a Breakfast Club and After School Club at Ladysmtih Infant School. Further information, including how to register your child, can be found here Wraparound Care

Attendance  

We aim for 100% attendance but understand that there may be reasons your child is unable to attend school. Punctuality is also important, as learning begins from the very start of the day. Our gates open at 8:40am and children are registered at 8:50am. Children arriving after 8:50am are marked as late. Pick up time is 3:20pm. Please refer to our school Term Dates when planning holidays and medical appointments.

More information can be viewed here Attendance

Medical and Allergies 

If your child has any medical conditions/needs or allergies/intolerances, please speak to your child’s teacher. Please also visit the school office so that we can ensure this information is recorded on your child’s records and complete any relevant paperwork, for example a Health Care Plan/Epi-Pen Plan/Asthma Plan.

Food for Birthdays and Occasions 

Due to the high number of children with severe allergies and the number of requests from parents that their child is not given food from other families, please do not send your child in on their birthday or special occasion with food to give out. 

Behaviours and Relationships 

At Ladysmith we have high expectations of behaviour. We strongly believe that every child has the right to feel safe, to be happy and healthy and have the right to learn. As adults we are all role models for our children – both as staff and parents. We will always speak to you with kindness and respect, please show us the same courtesy. Our staff work incredibly hard and are working tirelessly to help your children, they deserve to be treated accordingly.  

If you have cause for concern please come and speak to a member of the Senior Leadership Team. To see our whole school policy for behaviour and relationships please see our Key Information page.  

Keeping us informed 

Contact details - It is essential, for safeguarding, that we hold accurate contact information for you. Please update any changes of contact details in the MCAS app. 

Pick-up arrangements - If your child is going to be collected by someone different, please discuss this with your child’s teacher in advance. If pick up arrangements change during the school day, please contact the school office.

Communication with your child’s teacher 

If you would like to get in touch with your child’s teacher, please email lis.admin@stcmat.org putting the teacher’s name in the subject line. You can keep up to date with what your child is learning at school on the Tapestry app and we hold parents’ evenings twice a year. 

Everything else! 

Our school website is full of useful information such as how our school day runs, term dates, Safeguarding, SEND, PTA, Governors etc. Please check out our website and if there is anything you need any further information on, please contact the school office on 01392 349141 or email lis.admin@stcmat.org.