Preparing your child for Nursery

We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our Nursery.  Please be assured that your child's wellbeing and happiness are very important to us.

Our aim is to provide all Nursery children with an exciting and stimulating environment in an atmosphere of gentle encouragement and emotional warmth.  In Nursery we lay the foundations upon which our children build their school career, and indeed, their adult life.

Communication
At Oakleigh House we have an open door policy which gives you plenty of opportunities both formal and informal to discuss your child's progress and staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

With a view to providing excellent communication between school and parents all newsletters are sent via email.  We may also contact you by text.

The First Day
Taking your child to Nursery can be a very big change for both of you!
Although you may both feel a little apprehensive, with our reassurance your child will soon settle and begin to enjoy the variety of activities on offer.

You can help by ensuring everything is ready for the big day and by talking about the exciting things to be done and the new friends to be made.

All children are requested to bring a piece of fruit or plain biscuit for morning and afternoon breaks.

Coming to collect your child:  Nursery morning sessions finish at 12.30 p.m. and the end of the school day is 3 p.m., Long day 5.30 p.m.  Nursery children are collected directly from the classroom via the security gates and the Nursery classroom door.  Try to be on time as your child will be looking out for you.  Starting school, or just a change in routine can be very tiring at this age, so don't be surprised if your child is very tired after the first day!

Getting Ready
Please ensure that all articles of clothing, including shoes are clearly labelled. When you arrive at school we ask that you encourage the children to locate their own peg, the containers for break boxes and school bags and to try and put their own things away.  Hanging up coats and putting bags and break away is part of the daily routine and something the children can take pleasure in doing independently.

Nursery opens at 8 a.m.  It is very helpful if parents leave as soon as their child has settled in order to create a calm start to the day.  Arriving when everyone else is already settled can be quite disconcerting.

Encourage your child to become independent.  All the simple procedures we take for granted like going to the toilet, using toilet paper and flusing the chain, washing and drying hands, using a handkerchief and dressing and undressing, are major milestones at this age!  Children feel a real sense of achievement if they can complete these tasks independently.  You can help by practising these skills at home.

Bring a favourite book or toy to help make your child feel comfortable and secure.  Let us know of little things that are important - a special name, a favourite activity, these will enable us to ensure the passage from home to school is as easy as possible.  A school diary is provided for us all to use as a means of daily communication.