Our fabulous 2025 school leavers
As our school leavers prepare for their exciting next adventure, our team has been helping the children make a smooth and confident transition into reception class.
Our unique School Readiness Programme is key part of our curriculum and was created through speaking and working with local Windsor primary schools.
Its aim is to equip the children with everything they need to get off to a flying start at school, from practical self-care skills, to encouraging a confident ‘can do’ attitude.
The success of the programme was highlighted in our latest Ofsted inspection – where the achieved a ‘Good’ rating – saying:
“Staff prioritise children’s development to feel confident to do things for themselves. For example, at mealtimes children pour their own drinks from a jug and feed themselves with cutlery…giving them a true sense of responsibility.”
How we support the children to become school-ready
Throughout the summer term, the children take part in a variety of activities that build the key skills needed for school life, including:
- Practising recognising and writing their name
- Taking part in focused learning sessions, encouraging the children to become independent and confident learners
- Taking part in group Show and Tell sessions, providing an opportunity for children to tell the other children about something that’s important to them, such as a favourite toy, family photograph or a special book they enjoy, helping to develop communication skills and to speak confidently in a group
- Joining in a school-style registration, encouraging the children to respond to their names and become familiar with classroom routines
- Encouraging personal care skills, such as handwashing, going to the toilet independently, and recognising when they need to ask for help
- Practising raising their hands during group discussions, and following simple instructions, such as ‘please sit on the carpet’, helping the children become comfortable with expectations they will experience in school.
During our role-play sessions, we also practise what it is like to be in a primary school environment, complete with uniforms, registers and learning resources. This imaginative play allows children to explore what school might be like.
Children also begin taking home reading books, helping them to establish routines and develop a sense of responsibility. We also introduce focused learning activities during the day – usually a minimum of 20 minutes – to help the children build concentration and resilience.
We’re incredibly proud of all our school leavers and want to ensure they leave nursery feeling happy, confident and ready to embrace their next adventure.
