Starting School
Welcome to IKB Primary School
'You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose.' Dr Seuss
Isambard Kingdom Brunel (IKB) Primary School is part of the new Blackdown Education Partnership, within Somerset. IKB welcomed its first cohort of children into the superb EYFS setting in September 2020. The school serves the community in Longforth Farm and its immediate environs.
IKB is named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who has a strong connection with Wellington and was the main architect and engineer of the Great Western Railway and the Clifton Suspension Bridge as well as many revolutionary inventions in the 1800s. It is his pioneering and innovative approach that has inspired the school as well as his connections with Wellington itself as he designed and built many of the buildings in Wellington.
The Blackdown Education Partnership is a new Trust, as of 1 September 2023, and is founded on the principles of giving every child in our local community the very highest quality education, to see themselves as successful, to participate in enrichment and learning and to be full citizens locally, national and globally. IKB live and breathe the Partnership’s commitment that Every Child Achieves, Every Child Belongs, Every Child Participates in learning, enrichment and the community.
The Blackdown Education Partnership is committed to the principle that every child will feel a sense of belonging and that they are important and contribute in their own unique way, as well as collectively building a positive, enthusiastic and supportive community that is based on mutual respect and support. There is assumed success throughout Blackdown Education Partnership
Our IKB Mission Statement:
"IKB's aim is to provide exceptional education for its pupils and to work closely with its families to identify needs as early as possible. By engaging families at an early stage in their child's school life we can focus on the child's educational and developmental requirements quickly to ensure the best educational journey for each individual. We are committed to the locality, to building the best provision possible for every child through from nursery to secondary, in both academic and social, emotional and health education."
Starting school is a big event for all children and it may take some getting used to. It is a new experience, and it is quite normal for your child to feel all different sorts of emotions. They may feel excited, nervous, worried or reluctant. All of these emotions are okay.
As a school, we value the wellbeing of all children and see it as a foundation to their learning, Below are a range of really helpful resources which we recommend you look at to help you and your child to feel more confident about starting school and to ease any uncertainties you or they may have.
Understanding Emotions - How to support you and your child.
Positively Supporting Separation
Reading the recommended books below in the week or two leading up to school may help your child to process some of the emotions they are feeling about starting school and build and grow their confidence.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
A lovely read to share with your child which playfully explores separation. A mother tells her two children that they are all connected by an invisible string - an invisible string of love. When sharing this book, you can enjoy making 'love bracelets' to tie on to your child's school bookbag or play 'can you feel me tugging on our string' when you are together or in separate rooms at home.
The Colour Monster Goes to School by Anna Llenas
A really enjoyable story, from a collection of fantastic books, which takes you on a journey exploring what 'The Colour Monster' thinks school is like to discovering the exciting adventure that lies ahead. It is a really good talking point to explore your own child's feelings around starting school.
Hug Button
A hug button is the simple act of drawing a heart on your hand and your child's hand, and telling them that when they feel sad or worried, they can press the heart button and it sends a hug to the other person. You can press them together to 'change' them as you say goodbye at the school gate.
Parental tips for Separation Anxiety
Create a short, simple goodbye ritual. For example, two kisses and a hug. However hard it can be to mask your own feelings, try to keep your goodbye 'positive' to help your child feel confident and self-assured about heading into school. Don't sneak away, let your child know you are leaving.
Be consistent. Try to drop and pick up at the same time each day to avoid the unexpected factors. A routine can help build trust and confidence for a child.
Be specific. Discuss with your child a time or event to indicate when they will next see you.
Greetings. When separating from your child, give them your full attention and love, followed by a brief goodbye. When collecting them, give them a warm greeting. Don't be concerned if they do not greet you joyfully, they may even be angry or avoid looking at you. This is normal - try not to take offence. In fact, it shows that your child is confident in their relationship with you and are able to show their true feelings. Let them know how happy you are to see them and how much you have missed them.
Practise. If you have not spent much time apart, practise this. Start with scheduled playdates, or visit to a family member's house. Build up time in order to prepare them for school.
Find your support. It can be very hard for parents when their child starts school. You are not alone. Talk to those nearest to you to gain support or perhaps write down your thoughts and feelings if you do not feel comfortable sharing. By working through your own emotions, this can help reduce your own anxieties and prevent your child from taking them on.