School readiness is a measure of how prepared a child is to succeed in school cognitively, socially and emotionally. The good level of development (GLD) is used to assess school readiness.
The revised EYFS framework (September 2014) says school readiness ‘gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life’.
Research carried out by Ofsted (April 2014) says children should learn several key skills to help support a successful transition from early year’s settings into the school environment, these include:
- Following simple instructions
- Being able to use the toilet
- Make themselves understood by others
- Have essential skills such as sitting still, listening and following commands
- To be aware of other peers
- Follow boundaries set for behaviour
- Ask an adult for help
- Undress themselves
- Talk in sentences
- Recognise their own name
Some of the above skills may be difficult for children to achieve and this can often leave parents and carers feeling anxious when it comes to their child starting school, some children may need some further support in order to help get them ready. Communicating with parents and carers is essential as many of these skills can be learnt and practised in the home environment as well as nursery e.g. undressing and dressing.
At Tops Day Nurseries, we have implemented a number of different activities to support with school readiness including self registration upon entering the nursery, potty training, tooth brushing and taking part in both child and adult led activities.
Before children leave to go to big school, the nursery sets up a school themed role play area, where children can practice reading and writing, along with trying on local school uniforms and PE kits.
When the time comes for children to leave Tops Day Nurseries before they start school in September, they are invited to attend a pre-school graduation. This event welcomes parents, friends and families to watch as their little ones are awarded with a graduation certificate wearing their gowns and hats.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page to see how Tops Day Nurseries ensure children have a smooth transition from nursery to school.
