Dear Parents/Carers,
We are excited to announce that from September, we will be creating an Early Years Hub! This means that Nursery and Reception will join forces and become one cohesive unit. Mrs Emma Nicholas will be leading our outstanding EYFS team to ensure that all children, ‘Thrive before Five.’
The EYFS staff are a happy, close-knit team who endeavour to make the children’s transition into school an enjoyable and fun experience. We pride ourselves on the nurture we provide the children in our care. Children learn best when they are content and feel secure. Settling the children into school life is our top priority when they start. Building solid relationships with the children and parents alike is the key foundation to starting the learning journey and we are really excited to get this journey stared with you and your children.
What are the benefits of a Mixed Nursery and Reception Class?
Enhanced Sense of Belonging and Smooth Transitions
Children will develop a secure sense of belonging from an early age, making transitions smoother as they see their older friends move on confidently.
No Ceiling on Achievement
Nursery children can advance at their own pace, accessing learning opportunities like phonics when ready. Reception children needing reinforcement can do so without feeling held back.
Skill Scaffolding and Peer Learning
Older children become mentors, helping younger ones with tasks like reading and routines. This mutual empowerment fosters skills such as nurturing, empathy, cooperation, and teamwork.
Strong Relationships and Community
We get to know the children and their families deeply, creating an extended family atmosphere. This trust allows for open feedback and collaboration, maximizing children’s well-being and learning.
Continuous Progress Assessment
With no transitional stages, staff can continuously assess progress and intervene early if needed, ensuring excellent progress by the end of Reception.
Long-lasting Friendships
Children form bonds with peers in different year groups, promoting kindness and protection among students, which often begins in the Foundation Stage.
Play-Based Learning Environment
Reception-age children benefit from a continued play-based environment, allowing them to progress at their own pace and ensuring they do not miss out on crucial early developmental experiences.
Reduced Transition Stress
Staying in the same environment until Year 1 reduces the stress of transitions from home to nursery to Reception, building confidence and emotional security.
Experiential Learning
Children can work at their experiential level, benefiting from playing alongside older children and ensuring they develop at their own pace.
Developmental Support
Greater involvement in developmental activities helps narrow achievement gaps, particularly in motor and language development, which are crucial for school readiness.
Strong Practitioner-Child Relationships
Strengthened relationships between practitioners and children enhance awareness of children’s needs, supporting better formative assessments and stronger relationships with parents.
Sibling Support
Siblings can be in the same setting, reducing anxiety and fostering empathy and responsibility.
Multidisciplinary Team Benefits
Reception staff can work with early years specialists, benefiting from a broader range of skills and providing greater individual support for children and families.
Curriculum Independence
Separate EYFS guidance allows practitioners to develop responsive planning, giving children time to follow their interests without the constraints of primary school timetables.
Space and Resource Efficiency
Linking nursery and Reception areas in an open-plan style frees up space and avoids resource duplication. This provides a workshop-style environment where children can engage in a wide range of activities.
Freedom of Movement
Children have greater freedom of movement, promoting positive dispositions and motivation for learning, valuable movement play experiences, and good physical development.
Improved Staffing Ratios
Integrated provision can improve staffing ratios, allowing for greater focus on directed activities and supporting free play.
Secure Environment
Incorporating Reception children into a smaller ‘enclosed’ environment within the primary school – for example, one that they need not leave to go to the toilet – is beneficial to both their physical as well as their emotional security.
On Tuesday 11th June 2024 at 09:30am, we are holding a welcome meeting for the children that are starting school in September. Whilst this is short notice, you are more than welcome to attend this meeting to meet staff and to see why we think our school is so special. If you are unable to attend this – do not worry! We will be holding a transition morning stay and play over in the Nursery building on Monday 17th June 2024 from 09:00-10:00 am. Please come along to this session where I will go through information about the school, our setting and what your child’s time here at Much Wenlock Primary School will look like. You can then stay and play with your child and I will be free to chat to you as well.
We are excited about the positive impact this Early Years Hub will have on our children and look forward to working closely with you to ensure a smooth transition. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to get into contact with the school.
Best regards,
Emma Nicholas
EYFS Leader
Rachel Howell-James
Deputy Head and Teaching and Learning Leader