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Confident, Curious, Ready for School: Inside Nursery Days’s Approach to School Readiness!

  • Writer: Nursery Days
    Nursery Days
  • May 12
  • 5 min read

Transitioning into “big school” is an extremely exciting time, but can be a little daunting for parents and children at times, and a positive approach is important. Our nursery staff are here to give support every step of the way.


By giving children opportunities to talk about their concerns and ask questions, we can help with any worries or fears in the lead-up to school. Often, these worries will be about practical issues such as leaving friendship groups or a key worker. 

Some of the things we do to help the children prepare are:-



We encourage independence

At Nursery Days, along with our parents, we encourage the children to develop the skills they will need to be independent at school, such as dressing themselves, zipping up their coats, and changing their

shoes. Every dinner time, we model how to use a knife and fork and encourage them to serve their

own dinner before they help to clear away the dishes afterwards.


The children learn with us how to use our lovely activities and resources independently, how to

care for them, and then how to put them away in the correct place once they have finished with them.


Friendships

Having friends is hugely beneficial for children. Those who attend nursery will already be proficient in socialising, they will be learning how to share and take turns as part of a group, as well as developing talking and communication skills as they chat and play with the adults and their friends


Literacy

We help them to recognise their name when we label their pictures or artistic creations, and if they can read their name, once they are at school, they can keep track of labelled clothes and other belongings. We also help them learn to write their names using paint, chalk, water, mud, and sand as well as on every picture or piece of art they create.


We love to share stories. We do this several times a day in small groups or as

a whole class group. Being able to sit and listen, concentrating on the story, is a great way to help prepare your child for carpet sessions when they start school.


Regular reading with your child and lots of lovely bedtime stories improve their vocabulary and listening skills, and acting out stories is a great way to practice communication.


We also introduce your children to some early phonics, where we teach them to hear and say the sounds

correctly. We do this through fun and active games, often outside in our lovely outdoor area, as well as when we are writing and reading.


Mathematics

We introduce your children to numbers every day we enjoy singing counting songs together and we count cutlery and the dishes as we set the table for dinner.


We make counting an everyday part of their nursery day. When we go for trips for example to the Orchard, we count how many children are with us and they love to join in with this as well as counting natural objects we have found on our journey. This is a lovely activity to try as a family whilst out on a walk.


As a nursery, we work very closely with the local schools, inviting teachers to visit, which allows them to meet the child in an environment where they feel safe and secure. It is also important that parents talk regularly with their children about this next stage, and with our excellent partnerships with parents, we work together to help everyone feel at ease during this transition.



From Nursery to Big School: A Positive Adventure with Katy (QTS)

Our QTS teacher, Katy, has developed a "Calm, Kind, and Reflective" approach to help our preschoolers feel prepared and excited rather than overwhelmed. Here is a look at how we support your child in their daily practice.


1. A Calm & Reflective Environment

To help children navigate the changes in their routine, we use many of the same tools they will encounter in a primary classroom:

  • Visual Supports: We use visual timetables and "now and next" boards. These provide a sense of calm, particularly for children with SEND or EAL, by removing the anxiety of the unknown.

  • Managing Transitions: We use 10, 5, and 2-minute warnings before moving between activities. This gives children the time they need to finish their task and prepare themselves emotionally for what comes next.

  • Reflective Learning: We encourage children to self-assess. We often ask, "Do you think we did a good job staying calm?" or discuss how we can improve next time. This builds emotional intelligence and self-awareness.


2. Building "Strong Hands" and Big Hearts

Preparation happens in the little moments of "Learning Together":

  • Fine Motor Skills: We focus on activities that make hands strong enough for writing—from puzzles to creative play.

  • The Art of Turn-Taking: We teach that "sharing is caring," but also that sharing is often about the patience of waiting your turn.

  • Calming the Pace: After active outdoor play, we use yoga, deep breathing, and "inside voices" to help children transition from high energy back to a focused learning state.


3. Feeling Prepared, Not Overwhelmed

We want "Big School" to feel like a familiar friend before the first day even arrives. At Nursery Days, we do this through:

  • Role Play: Our children love acting out the school day! We use registers, whiteboards, little tables, and "finger pointer sticks" to make the classroom environment feel like fun.

  • Independence in Action: We practice the "big" things—putting on shoes and coats, using the toilet independently, and even opening lunch packets and cutting up food.

  • Validation: It’s okay to be nervous! We have open conversations about feelings, validating that it is perfectly normal to feel "nervous and excited" at the same time.


4. Tips for the Journey at Home

Katy suggests a few simple ways you can support this positive adventure at home:

  • The School Run: Walk or drive by the new school regularly to make the building and the route feel familiar.

  • Positive Language: Use "Big School" as a positive term. Talk about the new friends they will make and the exciting new playground they will explore.

  • Storytime: Read books about starting school and keep bedtime conversations positive to ensure they are well-rested and ready for the day.


Conclusion: Happy, Confident, and Ready to Fly!

Transitioning to 'big school' is an adventure that starts right here at Nursery Days. From mastering a knife and fork to discovering the joy of phonics, we are dedicated to giving your child the tools they need to succeed. We value our excellent partnerships with parents and believe that by working together, we can make this transition a positive, happy experience for everyone. We can’t wait to see what our children achieve in their next chapter!


Helpful Links for Supporting Your Child’s Transition to School

Transitioning to school is a big step, and having the right guidance can make all the difference. Below are some trusted resources that offer practical tips, activity ideas, and expert advice to help you support your child as they prepare for their next adventure.




About Us:

We are vastly experienced and knowledgeable after years of early years practice as a team. We know that choosing a nursery is a big decision and understand what is important to parents and children. We are aware of the demands and pressures parents have in their lives and so offer many different flexible sessions to suit our individual parents needs. From funded or self funding places to vouchers from work, we will always try to work out what will work best with you.


Visit Our Website at: www.nurserydays-upchurch.co.uk 




 
 
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