Family moves and school readiness

This page collects host-side tips only. Money-site bookings stay on the home notice where families already look. Here we focus on what helps a child walk through the gates feeling known.

  • Pack school shoes and reading books in a last-out crate.
  • Tell the office the first full school day as early as you can.
  • Keep PE kit separate from kitchen boxes so Monday games are not a scavenger hunt.

Timeline anchors

On 8 January 2026 we published a one-page checklist for mid-term starters joining after winter moves. In May 2024 parent buddies paired new London arrivals with Derby-experienced families for the first fortnight. Through 2022 office volunteers kept spare labelled trays so no child waited for stationery while a van emptied on their street.

For admissions questions, use the contact form. For community events, see community notes.