Preparing for the move to Primary School

Moving from nursery to primary school is a big milestone for children. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Because this transition is so important, the partnership between parents and nursery staff makes a huge difference in helping children feel confident, prepared, and happy.

Here’s how the support we give at nursery and you give at home can make this big step feel much easier for your child:

Social & Emotional Readiness

Key Skills We Are Teaching at Nursery

  • Managing feelings (e.g., calming down when upset)
  • Separating from parents confidently
  • Taking turns and sharing
  • Playing cooperatively with other children
  • Following simple routines and instructions

How You Can Prepare at Home

  • Encourage playdates or small group play
  • Give your child small responsibilities (e.g., tidying toys)
  • Talk about feelings and model calming strategies
  • Introduce simple routines like getting ready in the morning
  • Read stories about starting school

Communication & Language

Key Skills We Are Teaching at Nursery

  • Speaking clearly in sentences
  • Listening to others in turn
  • Understanding and following 2–3‑step instructions
  • Asking questions when unsure
  • Talking about their day or experiences

How You Can Prepare at Home

  • Have daily conversations about their day
  • Share stories, rhymes, and songs
  • Ask open‑ended questions like “What was the best part of today?”
  • Play games like “Simon Says” or “I Spy”
  • Encourage them to speak for themselves when appropriate (e.g. ordering in a café)

Early Literacy Skills

Children do not need to read or write before school, but developing early awareness helps build confidence.

Key Skills We Are Teaching at Nursery

  • Recognising their name
  • Holding a book the right way up
  • Listening to stories
  • Making marks with drawing tools
  • Showing interest in letters and sounds
  • Recognising environmental print (e.g., signs, logos)

How You Can Prepare at Home

  • Read together every day
  • Encourage drawing, colouring, and mark-making
  • Point out letters in signs, shops, or their name
  • Play rhyming games and sound‑matching games
  • Let them see you reading (powerful role modelling!)

Early Maths Skills

Key Skills We Are Teaching at Nursery

  • Counting objects reliably (up to 5–10)
  • Recognising simple shapes
  • Comparing sizes (big/small), quantities (more/less)
  • Understanding early problem solving through play
  • Sorting and matching objects

How You Can Prepare at Home

  • Count everyday items (stairs, apples, cars)
  • Sort laundry, toys, socks, or cutlery
  • Play with blocks, puzzles, and shapes
  • Talk about sizes, lengths, and amounts
  • Play simple board games and dice games

Independence Skills

Key Skills We Are Teaching at Nursery

  • Putting on and taking off coat and shoes
  • Using the toilet independently
  • Opening lunch/snack containers
  • Washing hands properly
  • Tidying up after play

How You Can Prepare at Home

  • Practise zips, buttons, and Velcro
  • Let them carry their own bag
  • Praise effort and independence
  • Making sure sleep routines are working well so that children are up and ready for school on time.