At Kent College Nursery, Infant and Junior School we pride ourselves on an induction programme that is sensitive to the needs of each family and child. The individual induction programme ensures a positive move from Nursery into our Reception class, at a pace most appropriate for your child, entirely regardless of whether this is a transition from our own Nursery or an external setting.
Since the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage (GB DCSF 2008) your child’s year in Reception continues their journey of learning through play that will be familiar from Nursery. There is certainly no expectation that your child must be able to read, or indeed be writing in cursive formation before they join Reception. On the contrary, these are just a few of the many skills your child will practise and strengthen throughout their year in Reception.
Becoming familiar
Many Nursery children have already spent considerable time within our Reception class and getting to know the teachers throughout their pre-school year, from enjoying the Christmas parties and joining together for the Nativity to afternoon sessions with Mrs Carter, practising ball skills in the Sports Hall together. Throughout the pre-school year at Kent College, the pre-school children visit the Reception class for regular but informal sessions.
We also offer parents an individual ‘getting to know your child’ meeting, whereby together we collate information that is exclusive and relevant to your child’s well-being. This is in addition to weekly taster sessions when we exclusively welcome your child into their forthcoming Reception class so they are able to familiarise themselves with the school environment, their teachers and the other children who will be in their class.
Practical Skills
 Skills that help your child feel more independent and confident in a new environment are invaluable. Wearing a uniform may be a new experience for some, so handling zips, buttons and different fastenings, together with an ability to make a good attempt at undressing and dressing themselves, will support their ability to change not only for PE and dance, but also in role play and changing from the numerous dressing up costumes!
Snack time in Reception again encourages your child to be as independent as possible; summer picnics are an ideal time to rehearse opening ‘Tupperware’ tubs that contain their fruit snack, or even peeling a banana or orange! Using a knife, fork and spoon is also a skill that begins to become better developed as your child reaches five but any practise aids their independence at school lunch times.
Academic Preparation
Encouraging your little one to focus and give their full attention to active pursuits such as completing puzzles, model-making and even simple board or card games supports their future learning as they develop skills such as turn-taking, problem solving and the ability to maintain a reasonable level of concentration.
Listening and speaking are also key ingredients that support your child’s developing learning strategies. Confident speakers can tell you their stories and be challenged through interaction with others to listen and exchange ideas, considering the opinion of others. If your child is a little more shy, offer them the opportunity to talk, this can be inspired by sharing a favourite toy, photograph or even activity.
 A visit to the shops is a fun way to practise both writing, reading and number skills. For example, write a shopping list together, look for familiar letters or words on labels, count out the items and calculate the money. A trip to the post office too can motivate writing letters or postcards, buying stamps and reading the replies!
Your child’s time in Nursery has already begun to establish their positive disposition towards learning. The Reception year continues the exciting journey and further consolidates the skills they will need to support their lifelong learning.
Article written by Mrs R Brown (Reception Teacher)
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