Transitions at Leighs!

Transitions are an important part of life at nursery. They allow children to settle into life at nursery and also ensures that they feel comfortable when moving from one group to another. When children first start at nursery they fill in routine forms. This allows staff to follow their normal daily routine providing some familiarity for them. It imitates a home from home environment making the child and parent feel comfortable and ensures an easy transition is made from home to nursery. It can also reassure parents as they know their child is following familiar routines.

In the Snowdrop group we have been sending Geoffrey the Giraffe home with the children for the weekend and we enjoy reading about what Geoff has been up to on his adventures outside of nursery. This encourages the child to share what they’ve been up to. We also use self recognition activities which allows the children to select a photograph of themselves from a small selection. We also have a display with our family and staff selfies which the children of all ages enjoy to look at and spot their friends and family.

As children grow they move through the different groups at nursery and these change as the child hits different developmental mile stones and ages. When children move between the groups their key worker may change. When this happens the previous key worker will pass on key information regarding the child’s likes and dislikes at nursery. For example when they sleep, any allergies and their favourite activities. This ensures the new key worker can get to know their new key child.

When children leave us at nursery and move on to their new setting at school, we can support them by preparing them for their new journey. The older children enjoy role play acting out what it will be like to be the teacher and the student. We also provide lots of opportunities to promote the children’s independence and give them a sense of responsibility and say over their daily life. This promotes their emotional wellbeing as well as all areas of their development in the EYFS.

Lots of love,

Leigh and the team xxx