COHORT ENTRY

We have reviewed when our New Entrant children start school. Following this review, Shotover has decided to move to Cohort Entry from the beginning of Term 3 (26th July 2021). This means children will start with us at either the beginning of the term or on the Monday of the sixth week. We know that children who have school visits and start school with a group of children feel more of a sense of security, belonging and community from day one. Because of this, we are implementing Cohort Entry.

What is Cohort Entry?

The children will start school in Cohort groups following their 5th birthday. Cohort dates are assigned by the Ministry of Education and there are eight Cohort intakes throughout the year, one at the beginning of each term and one midway through each term.

The Benefits of Cohort Entry:

● helps children settle

● builds stronger relationships

● gives a sense of belonging through being part of a community

● a better start for children in setting up routines and expectations

● less disruption for the current New Entrant children and Mentors

This illustrates groups of children as they have their 5th birthday. It is an example of how they become a Cohort group with those who have a birthday at a similar time. They will start school as a group on the Cohort date following their 5th birthday.

FAQ…

Q: My Child turns 5 the day after a cohort entry date, can they start on their birthday?

A: Unfortunately not. Your children would be starting at the next cohort entry date.

Q: My child turns 5 the day after a cohort entry date, can they begin a day earlier with the cohort.

A: Unfortunately not. Children in New Zealand can’t be enrolled until they are 5.

Q: When is the latest my child can start school?

A: In New Zealand, all children must be enrolled by their 6th birthday.

Q: My child is just 5 and has already been enrolled in another New Zealand school under a non-cohort policy and we are transferring to Shotover do we need to wait until the next cohort begins?

A: No, as your child has already been enrolled, they can begin immediately at Shotover.

2024 ENTRY DATES

Term 1 - Start of Term: 07/02/2024 (Wednesday) - Mid Term: 11/03/2024

Term 2 - Start of Term: 29/04/2024 - Mid Term: 04/06/2024 (Tuesday)

Term 3 - Start of Term: 22/07/2024 - Mid Term: 26/08/2024

Term 4 - Start of Term: 14/10/2024 - Mid Term: 18/11/2024

If you have questions about Cohort Entry and what it means for your child, please contact office@shotover.school.nz or call 03 409 0005