A warm welcome · A new beginning
Starting School at Sacred Heart
The beginning of a shared journey
Starting school is a special milestone. It can bring excitement, curiosity and a few butterflies for children and grown-ups alike.
At Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Westhoughton, our Catholic faith shapes a community where every child belongs. Our motto, Ut Diligatis Invicem — That you love one another, guides the relationships we build with children and families.
Whether you are choosing a school or preparing for your child’s first day, this page brings together useful information and simple ways to support a happy beginning.
You know your child best. Tell us about their interests, strengths, routines and needs. The more we understand your child, the better we can work together to support them.
Joining our school community
Thinking about Sacred Heart?
A visit is a helpful way to get a feel for our school. Contact the office to ask about current opportunities to visit and bring any questions you have.
Our Admissions Arrangements page contains the published policies and information about applying for a place. Bolton Council provides information about the coordinated Reception application process.
Preparing to join Reception?
Keep an eye on communications from school for information about your child’s class, opportunities to get to know us, forms to complete and arrangements for starting.
Please make sure school has your current contact details. If you are unsure whether you have received the information you need, contact the office.
Help us get to know your child
Please share information about:
- What your child enjoys and what helps them feel comfortable.
- Their nursery, preschool or childminder, if they attend one.
- Languages spoken and used at home.
- Medical needs, allergies, dietary requirements or medication.
- Communication, sensory, mobility or personal-care needs.
- Any existing professional support or transition plans.
- Family circumstances or worries that may affect settling in.
You are welcome to ask for a private conversation. Please share sensitive information directly with school.
Growing, exploring and learning
Reception is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children develop through relationships, play, purposeful experiences and teaching that builds their knowledge and skills.
Strong foundations
Talking and listening, building relationships, developing independence and growing in physical confidence all support children’s learning.
Early reading, writing and mathematics develop alongside understanding the world and expressing ideas creatively.
Phonics and early reading at Sacred HeartA school full of possibilities
Our outdoor learning environment and Room2Grow urban farm are distinctive parts of Sacred Heart. They help bring curiosity, care for creation and practical learning to life.
Explore these pages together to discover more about our school.
Small steps towards a confident start
Everyday experiences offer plenty of opportunities to prepare. Keep things playful, encouraging and suited to your child.
Talk, listen and share stories
- Enjoy books together and talk about the pictures.
- Sing songs, share rhymes and tell familiar stories.
- Talk about what you notice during everyday activities.
- Give your child time to respond and ask questions.
Keep using and celebrating your home language or languages.
Build everyday independence
- Practise putting on a coat and recognising belongings.
- Try opening a lunch container and using cutlery.
- Encourage handwashing and personal-care routines.
- Practise asking an adult for help when it is needed.
Offer help and encouragement at a pace that suits your child.
Play, move and explore
- Build with blocks, make models and enjoy pretend play.
- Draw, paint, use playdough and make marks together.
- Find opportunities to climb, balance, run and play outdoors.
- Count objects and notice shapes during everyday routines.
Grow confidence with others
- Enjoy short games involving turns and sharing.
- Talk about feelings and ways to ask for help.
- Practise simple routines and small responsibilities.
- Talk positively about school while listening to any worries.
Every child’s starting point is different
These are ideas to explore, not entry requirements. Your child does not need to arrive already reading or writing. If they need support with toileting, communication, personal care or another area of development, please tell us early so we can discuss appropriate arrangements together.
The practical details, all in one place
Uniform and belongings
Check our current uniform guidance before buying. Clearly name clothing and belongings so they can be returned easily.
Follow the Reception information sent by school for the items your child needs and any PE arrangements.
School uniform informationSchool meals and dietary needs
Explore our meals page and discuss any food allergies, medical diets or dietary requirements with school before your child starts.
Tell us if your child needs support with eating or managing lunchtime routines.
School meals informationTimes, term dates and attendance
Use the current school pages for normal session times and term dates. Your child’s starting information will explain their initial arrival and collection arrangements.
Before and after school
If you need wraparound care, check the current provision, booking arrangements and availability before your child starts.
Our wraparound page explains how bookings are managed through MCAS, our school app.
Wraparound careGetting to school safely
Plan your journey in advance and allow time for a calm arrival. Please respect neighbours and follow the school’s site and parking arrangements.
If you intend to use Park & Walk, read the current guidance and ask the office about permit arrangements.
Park & Walk informationKeeping in touch
Make sure school has your current telephone numbers, email address and emergency contacts.
Ask the office for help accessing MCAS. Read school messages and newsletters so you receive important updates.
Sacred Heart HeadlinesA supported start for every child
If your child has additional needs, a disability, a medical condition or finds change particularly difficult, please contact school early. You do not need to wait for a diagnosis before sharing a concern.
Our SENCOs are Mr M Stubbs and Miss M Fairhurst. They can discuss your child’s needs with you and consider what information and planning will support transition. Please tell us about any professionals already involved.
If family circumstances or worries are affecting your child, you can also ask to speak to Mrs P Cox, Senior Pastoral Lead.
Making the first days feel familiar
Before the first morning
- Read the latest starting arrangements from school.
- Check where and when to arrive and collect your child.
- Prepare named belongings together.
- Talk simply about what will happen and who will collect them.
- Share any new concerns or changes with school.
As your child settles
Children respond to starting school in different ways. Some are eager to talk; others need quiet time after a busy day.
Keep conversations relaxed and let your child know that adults at school are there to help. If a worry continues or grows, speak to the class teacher so we can understand it together.
Questions families often ask
Does my child need to read or write before starting?
No. Enjoy talking, sharing stories, singing, playing and exploring together. School will guide you on supporting reading and writing as teaching develops.
What if my child needs help with toileting?
Please speak to school before your child starts. Share any medical, developmental or personal-care needs so that we can discuss appropriate support. These conversations will be handled sensitively.
What if we speak another language at home?
Please tell us which languages your child understands and uses. Continue enjoying conversations, stories and songs in your home language or languages. Let us know if you need help understanding school information.
What if my child has allergies or needs medication?
Contact the office before your child starts so that the relevant arrangements and paperwork can be discussed. Do not send medication in a school bag without first agreeing arrangements with school.
Who should I speak to if my child is worried?
Start with your child’s class teacher. If further support would help, the office can arrange contact with a SENCO or Mrs Cox. Please tell us early rather than waiting for a scheduled meeting.
Where will I find visits, induction dates and first-day details?
Use the current information sent directly by school. If you have not received it, or anything is unclear, telephone the office on 01942 634681.
My child is joining during the school year. Can you help?
Please contact the school office for advice about the relevant admissions arrangements and practical information about joining. Tell us about your child’s previous setting and anything that may help them settle.
We look forward to getting to know you
A question that feels small can make a big difference to your confidence. Please get in touch if there is anything you would like to ask about starting school.
Sacred Heart RC Primary School
Central Drive, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 3DU