Welcome to Early Years

Transition is a process not an event, and it is important to recognise the various emotions you and your child feel before starting school are completely normal. 

When transitions in the early years are managed sensitively it lays the foundations for positive feelings towards the many other transitions children will face through life. Therefore, some activities that might help ease this are listed below: 

• Start talking about the experience early on with enthusiasm, this is an exciting time! 
• Build up your child’s social skills – practise greetings and conversations using toys and teddies.
• Encourage sharing and tolerance – play different games as a family and practise turn-taking. 
• All about my family - gather family photos to bring into school so they can discuss with their teachers and peers all the special people who love them. 
• Make the most of the time you have with your special little human, they grow up so fast!

Books that you can read with your little one to support them during transition:

Chu’s First Day at School Written by: Neil Gaiman & Adam Rex

This is an adorable, sneezing panda that asks about the big question that little people may ask before starting school. The strong message about being yourself is a lovely one to share with your child. The use of repetition and loud sound effects make this perfect for reading aloud.

Queen of the Classroom Written by: Vanessa Brantley-Newton 

This warm story is a great way to calm jitters and nerves that your child may have before school. MJ’s experiences and acts of kindness in this lovely picture book will help prepare your child through little acts of kindness and compassion.

Each child has a class teacher who will take overall responsibility for your child’s well-being and will keep you up to date on their progress.

Communication really is key at this young age, so our Early Years staff are always willing to chat to you via Seesaw and show you all the learning that has taken place throughout the week or phone calls. We also host regular Parents’ Evenings so we can discuss your child’s well-being and progress in greater detail, alongside written reports. We also pride ourselves in hosting Entry and Exit points at the beginning and end of each term. Parents are welcome to join us to ignite curiosity and reflect on learning. A newsletter is provided every two weeks with the latest celebrations of children’s progress, events and information you need to know. KTJ Early Years also hosts coffee mornings for parents and teachers to discuss the learning that takes place and how you can help your child at home. This is a great opportunity to dive in a little deeper to all the great things we do in our Early Years department, talk to others in our community and ask teachers questions.