Four year olds are already settling into life with a smile at St Nicholas at Wade CE Primary.
The new Reception group has already explored the school, played with games and toys, enjoyed a range of activities in the outdoor play area, firmed up relationships with their new classmates.
One of their favourite activities has been bring a box of their favourite things in to school to show and chat about.
The importance of making a smooth transition into mainstream education is very important for the children, with staff ensuring a positive, nurturing and happy environment.
Head Teacher Taralee Kennedy said: “First impressions count – we met the little ones before the summer break and our teachers were able to meet the children and their families.
“The first few weeks is a real voyage of discovery for our new pupils – it is a whole different environment for them to absorb, experience and understand.”
Half day visits soon merged in to full-time attendance with early reading and phonics carefully woven into play-based learning, while the first major topic work for Term 1 is all about the importance of friendship and what it means.
Mrs Kennedy added: “Building relationships with our new parents is just as important and we are working very closely with them as part of the integration process with initiatives like our reading workshops.
“Mentoring is important at St Nicholas and our Year 6 pupils support and help us nurture our new arrivals to make them feel welcome and to embrace them more fully in to our community.
“We know that it is vital for us to lay all the groundwork as early as possible in primary school for our children have a solid framework in which to reach their full potential through personal development in their time with us.
“Academic challenges are important – but it so vital that we guide our pupils on their pathway to become well-rounded, reliant, kind members of their community for many years to come.
“Starting school is a huge step for any young child and their families. A few weeks into their time at St Nicholas and judging by the happy smiling faces we see every day our new pupils clearly feel comfortable and safe in their new surroundings, with their classmates, teachers and other staff.”
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