We appreciate that the move from Kindergarten to start full-time education in Reception is a significant one and so we make sure that the transition for both our children and parents is a positive and seamless experience.
An excellent staff/pupil ratio contributes to this, ensuring that each child receives a high level of individual attention, making the move into the Reception class far less daunting.
To help with their transition, throughout the year our children enjoy visiting the Reception classroom for an informal story or activity, where they can spend time with the Reception teachers and teaching assistants. The Reception team also regularly visit Kindergarten to play with the children and begin to build relationships. Lunch in Early Years is a social occasion and a lovely opportunity for Reception staff to regularly chat with the Kindergarten children as they enjoy their meal. As a department we also frequently join together for activities such as festival celebrations and sporting events.
An Interactive Learning Journey for each child is established when they start with us and continues ‘seamlessly’ through their Reception year. This is used by staff to share the child’s learning journey with their parents using photos, videos and text. Parents are also able to add their own photos and comments to the web-based diary.
At the end of the summer term, children joining Reception from our Kindergarten or from their respective nurseries are invited to spend the morning with their peers and teacher in their new classroom during our Induction Day. Our wonderful team of Parent Reps also contact parents to make sure they feel welcome, have access to the information they need and organise play dates over the summer holiday.