Starting Nursery is an exciting milestone, and at St John’s we take great care to make this first step a calm and positive one.
We know that children thrive when they feel secure and familiar with their surroundings, so our transition process is gradual and carefully planned.
Home visits: Before children join, staff visit families at home to begin building a trusting relationship and to learn more about each child’s interests and routines.
Stay-and-play sessions: Children are invited into Ruby Class with their parents to explore the space, meet staff, and begin forming early friendships.
Staggered starts: The first few days are shortened and tailored to each child’s confidence and needs, ensuring they settle happily.
Families receive a welcome pack with key information to help them prepare for the exciting transition into Nursery. Our Nursery intake begins once Reception children are settled into their full-time routine, allowing staff to give each new starter the time and attention they need. This usually takes place by the third week of September.
Although there is no before- or after-school care for Nursery pupils, the time they spend in school is rich and purposeful. Children quickly become familiar with our staff, routines and environment, helping them make a confident and seamless start to Reception when the time comes. Their Nursery experience nurtures confidence, independence and strong friendships, giving them the very best foundation for their school journey.
By the time children begin full sessions, they already know the environment and the adults who will care for them, helping them feel confident and ready to explore. Although we follow a transition timetable, each child’s settling-in period is tailored to their individual needs. We take a child-led approach, allowing every pupil to move at their own pace so that their first experience of school is calm, positive and full of joy.