The transition from nursery to primary school is a big change for children as well as parents. However, there are many ways that nursery workers can help to make it easier. Here are some tips for how you can support the children in your setting in preparing for school:
Encourage Independence
Learning to do things independently and developing self-confidence is an important step when starting school. You can support children to be independent by encouraging them to put on their own shoes and clothes without assistance. The children should also be able to go to the toilet and wash their hands afterwards independently.
Encourage Communication Skills
Making friends and socialising with others is an important part of a child’s social and emotional development. One way you can support this is by organising group activities and encouraging children who are going to the same school to play together; this can greatly ease the transition.
Make Links with Primary Schools
Make links with local primary schools and set up visits to allow the children to become familiar with the new setting and staff. Alternatively, a reception teacher might come to your nursery and meet the children who are joining their class in September. These visits are also an opportunity to communicate any concerns about a particular child.
Read Books on Starting School
Many pre-school books are about starting school and this can prepare children on what to expect. Books are a good way to prompt discussions about school and encourage children to share any thoughts and worries.
Incorporate the School Routine in to the Nursery
Practising lining up, hanging up coats and bags, and eating lunch is a good way of introducing children to school life. At school, children will be expected to sit still and concentrate during lessons. One way to encourage children to develop their concentration skills is to plan activities that involve listening skills and following instructions; for example, teacher role play.
Develop Numeracy and Literacy Skills
By the time children start school, they should be familiar with the alphabet and numbers 1 to 20 as well as able to recognise their name when written down. You can help by organising activities that involve counting and letter recognition. You can also support the children to develop their fine motor skills and confidence when holding a pen or pencil.
Provide Reassurance to Parents and Children
When talking about school, it is important that you use positive language. If you show enthusiasm and excitement about the transition to school, it may help to ease any anxieties. Parents may also feel worried, especially if it their first child; therefore, ensure that you regularly provide parents with reassurance and useful information.
Develop a Keep-Sake
Create a reminder of the children’s nursery days by creating a scrapbook containing the children’s work and photos. This will be something that the parents and children can look back on in years to come and is good way to collect all of the children’s memories throughout their time at nursery!