Starting Nursery
A Warm Welcome
Starting Nursery is an exciting milestone for children and their families. We understand that every child is different, so we carefully plan transition to help children feel safe, secure and confident as they become part of our Early Years Unit.Our transition begins with a Welcome Meeting for families, where we introduce our Early Years team, share what life in Nursery looks like and explain our routines, curriculum and expectations. It also gives families an opportunity to ask questions and begin getting to know us.This is followed by home visits and stay-and-play sessions, allowing us to build relationships with children and their families before their first day. These opportunities help us learn about each child’s interests, routines, communication and language, development, strengths and individual needs.
Getting to Know Your Child
Before children start Nursery, we want to learn as much as possible about them. Our home visits give families an opportunity to meet Nursery staff in a familiar environment and share important information about their child.We talk about children’s interests, routines, communication and language, independence, development, strengths and any additional needs. This helps us begin to build a holistic picture of each child and plan a transition that is right for them.
Stay & Play
Before starting Nursery, children and their families are invited to spend time in our Early Years environment through stay-and-play sessions.These sessions allow children to explore the provision, become familiar with the environment and begin building relationships with the adults who will care for and teach them. They also give families an opportunity to ask questions and see what learning in our Nursery looks like.
An Individual Approach to Transition
We recognise that transition will look different for every child. Some children settle quickly, while others benefit from additional visits, a more gradual start or further support.For children with identified or emerging additional needs, transition may begin earlier in the Summer Term. We work closely with families, previous settings and relevant professionals to understand children’s needs and make appropriate adaptations before they start.
A Day in Our Nursery
Once children are settled, their day provides a balance of purposeful play, adult-guided learning and carefully planned teaching.Children have rich opportunities to develop communication and language, independence, relationships, physical skills, early literacy and mathematical understanding through our indoor and outdoor provision.
Working Together
Families are an important part of children’s Nursery journey. Our partnership does not end once children have started.We continue to share children’s learning and development, provide opportunities for families to join us in school and work together when children need additional support.
Together, we are one. Every thread matters — especially at the very beginning.
Other
You will find lots of useful and important documents on this page that we would normally be sharing with you in person. However, please take the time to browse through the information provided. We have tried to provide all the information that you will need to help prepare your child for starting nursery. Below you will find a copy of our School Welcome booklet that contains all of the relevant information that you need. We have also provided a copy of our Welcome meeting document which we normally share with you at the meeting. If you have any questions or queries relating to this information please contact the school office on 01924 326361
