At Sherwood School, our new entrant students start school via cohort entry. Cohort entry is when a school has two entry points per term for children to start school after they have turned five:

 on the first day of term
 at a mid-point during the term

Cohort entry is about helping children to settle better at school. There is evidence that starting school alongside other children helps them build relationships and supports a smoother entry into school life.

Cohort entry can also mean less disruption for new entrant teachers who can prepare for groups of children arriving on a specific date rather than on an individual and ad hoc basis throughout the year. Because of this, many schools believe that cohort entry offers their
children the best start to school life. 

Pre-school visits and a parent information meeting are held in conjunction with the cohort
entry dates.

Enrolment

Please click here to complete the online enrolment form.

Once you have completed the online application form, you will receive an email requesting further information to complete the enrolment process. 

Once we have all your information to process your application, you will receive an invitation to attend the Pikopiko school transition programme.

We look forward to welcoming your family to our school community.

Preparing for School

Here are some practical ideas to prepare your child for starting school:

  • Give your child opportunities to learn independence by helping around the house. 
  • Show them, and let them do things for themselves e.g. putting their lunch and drink bottle in their school bag, putting their bag on their back, putting their bag away, zipping and buttoning tops, putting their shoes on…
  • Practise taking turns and sharing through role play and board games.
  • Ensure your child can recognise their name. 
  • Sing and read together. Share your excitement for reading. Visit the library.
  • If English is your second language, read in your own language. 
  • Establish routines that make mornings smoother and afternoons easier to manage.
  • Ensure your child can go to the toilet by themselves. 
  • Visit and play at our school after 3pm and in the weekends. Take time to explore the school grounds with your child.

Remember to be patient, and guide your child at their own pace.