Admissions - Your journey to Hadfield Infant School
Choosing your child's first school is a very special decision, and we want you to feel welcomed, informed and part of our community from the very beginning.
At Hadfield Infant School, we believe your child's journey with us starts before their first day at school. From your very first visit to our Open Day, right through to those exciting first days in September, we are here to make the transition into school a happy, positive and memorable experience for the whole family.
Your Journey to Hadfield
Come and meet us - Our Open Day
You first step starts with a visit.
Our Open Day is held on a Saturday, giving the whole family the opportunity to come along, explore our school and get to know the people who will be part of your child's journey.
We deliberately hold our Open Day on a Saturday so that all of our staff can be available to meet you and your family. You can explore our classrooms, discover our outdoor spaces, ask questions and get a real feel for life at Hadfield.
Most importantly, we want you to meet us, get to know us and begin to imagine your child as part of our school community.
Apply through Derbyshire Admissions
Your school application
Following our Open Day, the Derbyshire school admissions process opens, and you can submit your application for the school you would like your child to attend.
We know that this can feel like an exciting – and sometimes nerve-wracking time, so we are always happy to help point you towards the information and support you need.
The Golden Ticket – Welcome to Hadfield!
This usually occurs around April.
When school places are allocated, we don't simply want to send you a letter and wait for September. If your child has been offered a place at Hadfield Infant School, we like to celebrate!
We will visit you at home with a golden balloon and your very own Hadfield Golden Ticket to welcome your family to our school community.
Your Golden Ticket is more than just an invitation – it is our way of saying: 'Welcome to Hadfield – you are now part of our community!' Attached to your Golden Ticket will be a Save the Date for our New Parent Information Evening.
New Parent Information Evening
Early June – This is your opportunity to find out everything you need to know before your child starts school. You will meet members of our team, find out more about life at Hadfield and receive all the practical information you need to prepare for September.
We will talk to you about:
- Getting to know your child's class and teachers
- Joining ClassDojo and communicating with school
- School uniform
- Supporting your child's learning at home
- Our routines and expectations
- Helping your child prepare for starting school
- Transition and Stay & Play opportunities
- Any questions you may have about starting school
We want you to leave feeling informed, reassured and excited about the next step in your child's journey.
Transition Day – Come and Stay & Play
Summer term
Before September arrives, your child will have the opportunity to visit Hadfield and begin getting to know their new school, teachers and friends.
During our transition experience, children are invited to take part in a Stay & Play session, giving them the chance to explore their new environment, meet the adults who will be caring for them and begin to feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
We know that every child is different, so our transition is designed to build confidence gradually and positively.
September – A gentle start to school
The beginning of your child's Hadfield journey.
And then the big day arrives!
We understand that starting school is a huge milestone for children and families. That's why we don't expect our youngest children to arrive on day one and immediately manage a full school day. Instead, we have a gradual build up to a full day, giving children time to become familiar with their classroom, routines, adults and new friends.
Our aim is simple: to give every child the happiest , most confident start to their school journey.
From the moment you walk through our doors for the first time, you are not just choosing a school.
You are joining the Hadfield community.
Application information -
Please read the information given below which gives details of our admission arrangements for the school.
Applying for your child's infant/primary school place for September 2027
You must apply by 15th January 2027 for a place at infant/primary school.
If your child was born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 they will be eligible to start school in September 2027. You should apply for their infant or primary school place before the 15th January 2027. You will be able to make your application from the 9th November 2026.
