Starting School: A Parent's Guide

An information evening for parents of children due to start school in September 2027, led by our Head of Pre-Prep, Head of Admissions and Reception teacher, shortly before Kent’s primary school applications open.

Tuesday 3 November 2026

6.15pm to 7.15pm

Northbourne Park School

Betteshanger, Deal CT14 0NW

There is ample parking on site. Please report to the School Office when you arrive.

Who it is for

Parents of children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023, whether your child is at Squirrels Nursery, another nursery or setting, or still at home.

What we will cover

	The Kent application process How preferences work, what happens between applying and Offer Day, and the key dates.
	Getting ready for school Practical things you can practise at home between now and September, to support your child's start at school.
	Reception at Northbourne Park How our Reception class works, how the transition is managed from Squirrels Nursery, and how early years funding and bursaries can reduce the cost.
	Your questions Ask during the presentation, or speak to one of our experienced team before or after.

Book your place

Please book using the form below. If you have any questions, please contact us by email (admissions@northbournepark.com) or telephone (01304 611215).

Parent Information
	Your name and title	Name is required
	Email address	Email address is requiredInvalid email address confirm email address: Email addresses must match
	Phone number	Telephone number is required
	Postcode

Child Information

Full Name

Gender

Male

Female

Date of Birth

Current setting/ nursery

Further Information/ Requirements
	Please let the school know whether you have any special requirements or would like to share additional information.


	Where did you hear about the event?
	I agree to the School's Privacy notice.Required
	Spam?Required

Submit

Key dates for September 2027 entry

1	Applications open Friday 6 November 2026
2	Closing date Midnight, Friday 15 January 2027
3	National Offer Day Friday 16 April 2027
4	Deadline to accept or decline your offer Friday 30 April 2027
5	Children start school September 2027

Full details are on the Kent County Council primary school places page.

Starting school with confidence

The primary school application process can be confusing if you have not been through it before. Whether or not you are considering Reception at Northbourne Park, we hope the evening gives you a clear picture of how it works, along with practical advice from our experienced team on giving your child the best possible start at school.

Did you know?

Funding continues into Reception

Until the end of the term in which your child turns five, early years funding can reduce Reception fees by around a quarter with 15 hours, or around half with 30 hours for eligible working families.

Classes of around 15

In state primaries, infant classes can have up to 30 children per teacher.

8.00am to 6.00pm, with buses

Breakfast Club from 8.00am, Late Club until 6.00pm, and a term-time bus service across Deal, Dover, Folkestone, Thanet and Canterbury.

Forest School, French and PE every week

Weekly Forest School, French with a native-speaking teacher, and PE.

See Reception fees and funding

Unable to join us?

Our free weekly Stay & Play sessions, Mondays 9.30am to 10.30am in term-time, are an informal chance to meet our experienced Early Years team and ask how to help your child prepare for starting school.

Find out about Stay & Play

Book a visit

Meet our Head Teacher and visit Reception class during a normal school day, with time to ask questions.

Book a visit

Find out more

Read more about our Pre-Prep: Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

Explore the Pre-Prep