“I can’t wait to continue learning with all my friends in Reception”

Research suggests that transitions are central to young children’s development and emotional well being, and the way in which the first transitions are handled could have a significant impact on the child’s capacity to cope with change in the short and long term.

The move from Transition in our Nursery to Reception in the Stable Yard is an important step for all our children.  They all respond in different ways, some with confidence, and others with more apprehension.

At Hatherop, to ease the move from Nursery to Reception, we provide regular contact throughout the year with the Transition staff. Children attend weekly stay and play sessions in the Reception classes.  This is a great way for us to get to know the children and their families. It also allows them to spend time familiarising themselves with their new learning space.  

From the day they start at our Nursery, the children are introduced to specialist teaching staff who teach French, Music and PE, whom they quickly become familiar and comfortable with.  When they join Reception, this continues and the children start to move around the school a little more. Visiting the music room for lessons on a weekly basis, attending assemblies in our state of the art Performing Arts Centre and using our recently installed Astro turf. They are also encouraged to explore our extensive 22 acre grounds, whatever the weather, to learn through play and most importantly, have fun!

In addition to the specialist taught subjects, the children also begin to learn the rules and games of traditional sports such as hockey, rugby, netball and football in small groups.  This gives every child the opportunity to have a go and succeed at their own level.  

Through our PSED we offer a gentle and nurturing approach to settling in. One of the highlights as they join Reception is meeting our class buddies (Prep 6/7 children) who meet the children regularly throughout the year. They are responsible for looking out for and supporting them during breaktime and PSED sessions.

All these carefully planned steps enable our children to build up strong rapport with the older children. They are very much made to feel part of a valued member of the Hatherop Family. This results in very settled and eager to learn young children who feel at home as soon as they step in to school in the morning.