Starting School in September 2026

Welcome to Future Meads Families

Choosing your child’s primary school is a big step — and we are delighted that you are considering The Meads Primary School. We look forward to welcoming new children and families in September 2026 and supporting you through every stage of the admissions process.

On this page, you’ll find key information, important dates, transition events, and a link to the Luton Borough Council application portal.

Who is eligible?

Children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 are eligible to start school in Reception from September 2026.

How to apply (for Luton residents)

If you live in Luton, you will need to apply for a Reception place via Luton Borough Council. Applications for school places open in September 2025, and the deadline is 15 January 2026.

👉 Apply via the Luton Parent Portal

Before applying, we recommend reading the Luton Primary Admissions Guide on the portal. If you live outside Luton but wish to apply to The Meads, you must still apply through your home local authority.

Key Admissions Dates

What	Key Date (approx.)	Notes
Application window opens	September 2025	The online portal will open for new applications.
Application deadline	15 January 2026	You must submit your application by this date.
Offer decisions issued	April 2026	The local authority will notify you of your school offer.
Accept or decline offer	Within specified deadline	You will have a deadline by which to accept your place.
Transition events begin	Summer 2026	We will invite you and your child to visits and transition sessions.
Start of school year	September 2026	We will complete Home Visits and your child will start school

Oversubscription criteria

If we receive more applications than we have places available, priority is given based on the oversubscription criteria set by Luton Borough Council. This typically includes:

Children in care or previously in care
Children with siblings already at the school
Proximity to the school
Other specific needs or circumstances

If your child is not offered a place, you have the right to appeal. You will also remain on the waiting list unless you choose to remove your child’s name.

Transition and Induction Events

At The Meads Primary School, we believe that a smooth and supportive transition into school life is key to your child’s happiness, confidence, and long-term success. Our carefully planned induction programme ensures children feel settled and excited about starting school — and that parents feel informed and involved every step of the way.

Here’s what you can expect as your child prepares to join us in September 2026:

🧸 Stay and Play Sessions

Before the summer holidays, we invite all new Reception children and their families to attend Stay and Play sessions. These relaxed visits allow children to explore their new classroom, meet the Early Years team, and start making new friends. It’s a gentle, informal introduction to life at The Meads and helps build familiarity with the environment.

🏫 Nursery Visits

During the summer term, our Reception staff visit local nurseries and pre-schools to meet your child in their current setting. These visits give us the chance to talk to key workers, learn more about your child’s interests and needs, and begin building a picture of how best to support them from day one.

🏡 Home Visits

At the beginning of the autumn term, we offer Home Visits for every family. These short visits give your child the opportunity to meet their new teacher and teaching assistant in the comfort and security of their own home. It’s a wonderful way to begin building strong relationships in a familiar setting and helps ease any nerves before the first day.

👋 Transition Morning: Explore, Connect & Picnic Together

Our Transition Morning in July is a key part of your child’s start at The Meads — and is designed to welcome both pupils and parents in a meaningful and engaging way. The event takes place in two parts:

🔹 Part 1: Classroom Visit & Parent Information Experience
Children will spend time in their new classroom with our Early Years staff, getting to know the team and their new learning environment.

While the children are with us, parents and carers are invited to take part in our Parent Information Experience — a series of stands and interactive displays showcasing the Foundation Stage curriculum, daily routines, and wider life at The Meads. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet staff and governors and ask any questions you may have.

📄 You will receive essential information at this event, including your child’s class details, their start date, and the timing of your Home Visit.

🔹 Part 2: Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Following the classroom visit, children and families will come back together for a special Teddy Bears’ Picnic, hosted by our Early Years team. Your child is welcome to bring along their favourite teddy bear, and we’ll provide refreshments and snacks for everyone to enjoy. It’s a lovely way to celebrate the start of their school adventure!

We are proud of the care and attention we give to our transition process. By the time September arrives, your child will already feel like a valued member of The Meads community — and ready to begin their Reception year with confidence and joy.

Preparing Your Child for School

Here are a few ways you can help your child feel ready for school:

Encourage independence in everyday tasks (e.g. using the toilet, dressing, tidying up)
Share stories and talk about school in a positive way
Attend all transition events — they make a big difference!
Establish a consistent bedtime and morning routine in the weeks before school starts
Keep communication open — we’re always here to help