At Little Oaks, we ensure that the transition from Nursery to Reception is as smooth and exciting as possible. Our carefully crafted programme supports each child as they move forward with confidence and enthusiasm, laying the groundwork for future successes. In the Hedgehogs class, children embark on a journey that nurtures comfort, builds confidence and prepares them for the next big step.
Transition to Pre-Prep
Community Integration and Routine Building
Daily visits to the Bayford Hall for shared lunches, where children can enjoy their packed lunch or hot meal, help to establish a sense of community and routine. Supervised playtimes with the Pre-Prep children, with everyone wearing high-visibility jackets, provide safe opportunities for exploration and interaction, making the transition to a larger school environment feel natural and welcoming.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our commitment to a holistic education goes beyond the Hedgehogs classroom. Children participate in specialised PE, Art and Music lessons within the main school facilities, expanding their experiences and broadening their horizons. Engaging in class assemblies, welcoming special visitors and enjoying delightful celebrations with Puppets Galore are just a few of the ways we enrich their educational journey with joy and discovery.
Reception Class Experiences
Once a week, the Hedgehogs class spends an afternoon in the Howe Green House Reception class, where they join in with daily activities and enjoy the expansive outdoor area. This immersive experience gives them a taste of the adventures that await, making the transition to Reception an exciting and positive step forward.
Building Confidence and a Sense of Belonging
In the final term, a “stay and play” afternoon in the Reception class invites children from Little Oaks and other preschool settings to come together for a fun exploration session. This includes meeting future classmates and allows the Reception teacher to build a relationship with the children. Our staff also visit other preschool settings, ensuring a thorough exchange of important information, so we can help each child feel confident and understood when they join the Reception Class.
Collaborative Transition Meetings
At the end of the Summer Term, we hold transition meetings between Little Oaks and Reception staff to share vital information about each child. These collaborative discussions ensure that every child’s unique needs are understood and supported, setting the stage for a smooth and successful start in Reception.
Welcoming New Reception Parents
As the term draws to a close, we warmly invite all new Reception parents to a Coffee Afternoon. This informal gathering is a wonderful opportunity to meet our dedicated staff, ask questions and learn more about the exciting journey ahead. Valuable information about starting school will be shared, helping to ensure that both you and your child are well-prepared and excited for this new chapter.
