Tops Preparing for School Programme (the 5 pillars)

At Tops Day Nurseries, we support children to develop the skills, confidence and independence they need as they begin their journey into school.

Children do not need to arrive at school able to read or write. What helps them most is confidence, independence, communication and curiosity about the world around them.

Through everyday experiences and play, children gradually build the abilities that help them feel secure, capable and ready for Reception.

The Five Key Pillars

Children develop independence by putting on their coat, managing small tasks, selecting activities and resources, and recognising their name or belongings.

This includes:

• dressing themselves where possible, such as putting on coats or shoes
• making simple choices about activities or resources
• tidying away toys and helping to look after resources
• recognising their name or their own belongings
• using the toilet independently or communicating toileting needs
• washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet
• blowing their nose and disposing of tissues appropriately
• recognising when they may need the toilet and telling an adult if needed

Why it matters

When children feel confident managing small tasks themselves, they feel capable and secure in a new environment.

Children develop communication and listening skills by engaging in conversations with adults and friends and sharing ideas, they listen to others, take part in familiar stories and songs, follow simple instructions and begin to take turns during interactions and group times.

This includes:

• talking about past experiences
• asking for help
• describing feelings
• listening and responding
• sharing ideas

Why it matters: Communication helps children access learning, build friendships and feel confident asking for support.

Emotional Confidence

Children feel celebrated in who they are as individuals, which supports them to develop their own voice and build confidence in expressing themselves. They are encouraged to communicate with adults and friends by asking for help, sharing ideas and talking about their feelings as they become curious and confident to explore new opportunities within the world around them.

This includes:

• managing emotions
• coping when something goes wrong
• feeling proud of effort
• trying again
• understanding mistakes are part of learning

Why it matters: Confidence and resilience help children feel safe and capable in a new environment.

Relationships

Children learn how to play cooperatively with others, share resources and build positive relationships.

This includes:

• playing alongside and with other children
• showing kindness and respectful behaviour towards others
• sharing resources and taking turns during play
• beginning to resolve small disagreements with support

Why it matters: School is a social environment where children need to learn alongside others.

Engagement

Children develop confidence to join in group activities, follow simple instructions and take part in everyday nursery experiences. Through participation, they become comfortable engaging in stories, songs, conversations and activities alongside other children.

This includes:

• joining in with group activities such as stories, songs and games
• taking part in everyday tasks such as tidying toys or helping set the table- following simple instructions.
• sharing their ideas and experiences with others
• trying things independently where possible
• having a go even when something feels challenging
• understanding that mistakes are part of learning
• trying again when something does not work the first time
• beginning to solve small problems with growing confidence

Why it matters: Being able to engage in activities helps children settle quickly into the rhythm of the classroom.