The transition from nursery to school is a significant milestone in a child's life. It marks a new chapter filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, a touch of apprehension. At The Villa, we understand that this transition can be both thrilling and daunting, and we are committed to providing a seamless and supportive experience for every child.
One of the true benefits for many of our children is that we have the nursery on site, we share the same ethos and often collaborate with teachers and practitioners, sharing good practice.
We believe that a successful transition is not solely about academic preparation. It encompasses the whole child, including their emotional, social, and physical development. To ensure a smooth transition, we offer a variety of events and activities throughout the final year of nursery.
Stay and Play Sessions: These regular sessions allow children to become familiar with the school environment, the adults who will be caring for them, and their future classmates.
Teddy Bears Picnic: A fun and exciting event that helps children feel comfortable in the school setting while enjoying a picnic with their favourite teddy bear. This is hosted by the current Reception class and allows for the start of those key cross year group relationships to start to form.
Academic Support: While our focus is on the whole child, we also prioritise academic readiness. Our curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between nursery and school, ensuring that children are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
We believe that strong parent-school partnerships are essential for a successful transition. We provide parents with advice and resources to help them prepare their children for school, including tips on fostering independence, following instructions, and using utensils. We also encourage parents to engage in the school community, as we believe that a strong sense of belonging is crucial for children's well-being.
To help children feel safe and secure, our teachers visit their nursery settings to build relationships and create a sense of familiarity. We also share videos of the school environment through our sharing platform and create social stories to help children visualise what to expect.
When children feel familiar, safe, and supported, they are more likely to settle quickly into school and thrive academically. We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of our transition program on our students. The happy faces of confident children running into school on their first day, without a backward glance towards their parents, are a testament to the success of our approach.
By providing a holistic and supportive transition experience, we are helping our children to embark on their educational journey with confidence and excitement. We are committed to ensuring that every child at The Villa feels valued, supported, and ready to succeed.