Numbers, Nature and Narratives!
This week, pupils across the school have been immersed in creative and hands-on learning. Year R explored number bonds to 10 using counters, part-whole models and hiding games, building strong
24 April 2026
Starting School
Information for new starters to help you settle in to life at Rownhams.
Welcome!
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your family to our lovely school. I passionately believe that your child will thrive here, especially if they are part of an effective partnership between us, the school and you, the parent. I know that your child will be very happy during their time at Rownhams St John’s. You child is about to embark on seven years of fantastic learning and skills development. During their time with us, we will support your child to become a great learner who also develops as a happy and confident individual who is able to demonstrate our core Christian values of Love, Joy and Responsibility.
I understand that whilst it is an exciting time, it can also be a worrying time as your learn about how we work and begin to get to know us. At any time you are welcome to come in and share your excitement and concerns.
Headteacher
Tim Woodford
Getting to know each other - our timeline
Stay and Play sessions
A chance for you to come into school with your child to spend time playing and getting to know the staff and the environment.
Find out your child's class teacher
Once we have met all of the children at stay and play sessions,. and have had a chance to visit the children in their pre-school setting, we will let you know who will be your child's teacher in September. After this, you will be able to book a home visit for September by phoning the school office.
Home visits
We would love to come and visit you at your home to find out more about your child and what is important to them. You can book this session by phoning the school office after the 18th of July.
Welcome session for children
On the same day as your home visit, this welcome session will allow your child to come into school on their own to become familiar with their classroom and meet staff and peers.
Welcome session for parents
You are invited to meet key members of staff and get to know other parents and carers while your child attends their welcome session. Information will be shared about how to support your child with their learning at home.
Starting school in September
We understand that lots of children have been settled in pre-schools and nurseries and regularly spend whole days there. The children are welcome to begin school full time with us too from Tuesday 10th September. However, starting school is a big step for children and many benefit from a gradual increase in the length of time they spend with us. The table (right) sets out the entry to school we suggest for your child if they would like a longer transition process. Please speak to us at your home visit about the hours you think would suit your child best.
Your child may arrive at school via the EYFS classroom door (entrance through playground) between 8:35-8:45am. If your child goes home at 11:30am or 1:10pm they will leave via the front office entrance to the school. If they are full time and stay all day, they will leave at 3:15pm via the classroom doors (entrance through playground).
Things your child will need for school
Uniform (clearly labelled)
● Dark green jumper or cardigan
● White/green polo shirt
● Grey trousers/shorts/skirt/dress/summer checked dresses
● Grey/black socks
● Suitable black shoes
● Warm, waterproof coat
● Winter / summer hat in appropriate weather
PE Kit (clearly labelled)
● Plain black shorts
● Dark green/black hoody/jumper
● Plain black jogging bottoms/leggings
● Teal PE t-shirt
● Trainers
We will let you know when your child should wear their PE kit to school in September.
Lunches and snacks
A hot school lunch is provided free of charge daily (Universal Infant Free School Meal) for all children from Year R to 2 or your child may bring in a packed lunch from home. Milk is available each day for free while children are 4 or can be purchased in ordered via www.coolmilk.com once they turn 5. A piece of fruit or vegetable is available each day for all children from Year R to 2 or they may also bring in a snack (fruit or cheese, no nuts please).
Things to keep in school
● Wellington boots
● Waterproof trousers
● A change of clothes in case of accidents
Things to bring to school each day
● A bookbag (available to buy from Skoolkit in Totton)
● Their reading diary and book which we will provide in September
● A named water bottle
Useful information
Administration and Communication details
- Please ensure your details are kept up-to-date. Any changes can be sent to adminoffice@rownhams.hants.sch.uk . This includes changes to family situations, moving house and especially telephone numbers.
- If your child is ill, please call 02380736417 and leave a message on the absence phone by 9:00am.
- You have already been given access to Arbor which is essential – all notifications and newsletters will be shared via this platform. You can also use Arbor to pay for school trips and (from Year 3) school dinners online.
- Please check your child’s bag daily and ensure slips, when needed, are returned to us ASAP.
Term Dates
Autumn 1: 3rd September – 24th October 2025
– Half Term –
Autumn 2: 3rd November – 19th December 2025
– Christmas Break –
Spring 1: 5th January – 13th February 2026
– Half Term –
Spring 2: 23rd February – 27th March 2026
– Easter Break –
Summer 1: 13th April – 22nd May 2026
– Half Term –
Summer 2: 1st June – 22nd July 2026
Remember, you can also refer to the Hampshire Term dates, which can be found here.
Inset Days
Teachers in Local Authority schools have five days each year when they work in school without the children present. These ‘In Service Training’ days are called ‘INSET days’ for short. For the 2024/25 academic year at Rownhams they are as follows:
- 3rd September 2025
- 23rd October 2025
- 24th October 2025
- 13th February 2026
- 1st July 2026
Learning Update
We love to celebrate learning.
Read our latest blogs with an update on mathematics.
Shapes, Science and Super Creativity!
This week has been full of exciting learning across the school. In Team R, children developed their subitising skills by playing board games, using quick maths eyes to recognise numbers
16 January 2026
Spark, Splash and Storytelling!
Our school has enjoyed a vibrant few weeks of learning. In Team R, children explored sea-themed stories and created colourful rainbow fish using paints and textured tools, sparking wonderful conversations
28 November 2025