School Readiness: Part of Every Day at Our Nursery

At our nurseries, school readiness is woven into everything we do. We believe that preparing children for school is about much more than learning letters and numbers – it is about developing confidence, independence, communication skills, and a love of learning.

We believe that every small step a child takes contributes to the big leaps they make in their development. By encouraging children to make choices, take responsibility for simple tasks and build friendships, we help them grow into confident and capable learners. Everyday routines such as self-registration, tidying away resources, serving snacks and putting on coats provide valuable opportunities to develop independence and prepare for school life.

Photography by and property of YMCA Fairthorne Group.

Every Day We:

• Encourage children to make independent choices.
• Support self-care skills such as handwashing, toileting, dressing and managing personal belongings.
• Share stories, songs and rhymes to develop language and listening skills.
• Take part in small group activities and circle times to build concentration and attention.
• Promote sharing, turn-taking and positive relationships with peers.
• Provide opportunities for outdoor play to develop physical skills, coordination and confidence.
• Encourage children to express their feelings, communicate their needs and build emotional resilience.
• Help children tidy away resources and take responsibility for their environment.
• Develop fine motor skills through activities such as drawing, cutting, threading and creative play.
• Focus on recognising letters, numbers, shapes and patterns through engaging activities.

Alongside these experiences, we work closely with families to ensure children feel supported and confident as they prepare for their next stage of learning. Strong partnerships between home and nursery help children develop consistency, security and a positive attitude towards starting school.

By providing a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired, we help them develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to make a successful transition to school and become enthusiastic lifelong learners.