Written by Jacqui Holford, Nursery Manager
There is something very special about this time of year. For parents, it can be a time filled with pride, excitement and perhaps a few nerves. For us as a nursery team, it is a time of reflection as we look back on just how far our latest cohort of children to graduate from nursery have come.
People often ask how we prepare children for school; the truth is that school readiness doesn’t begin in the months before children leave us – it begins from their very first day at nursery. Every cuddle, every story, every muddy adventure, every new friendship, every challenge and every achievement help build the independence children need for the next stage of their lives.
Whether they are discovering nature through Forest School, becoming absorbed in stories in our Library, problem-solving in the Discovery Room, enjoying the calming experiences in our Sensory Room or climbing, balancing and taking managed risks in the Barn, every experience has a purpose. They develop the skills that simply cannot be taught from a worksheet – curiosity, perseverance, emotional resilience, investigation and confidence.
Being part of the Loughborough Schools Foundation, our partnership with Fairfield Prep School has also become an incredibly valuable part of preparing children for school. Throughout the year, Foundation teachers visit our nursery to share stories with our Pioneers – the oldest children at Loughborough Nursery – helping children become familiar with faces they may see again when they move on to school. Our PE teacher runs fantastic physical education sessions that encourage listening, teamwork and coordination in a fun and engaging way. These experiences prepare children for their next steps, whichever school they choose.
From September, I am delighted that PE sessions will also be extended to our younger Innovators class, giving children an even earlier introduction to these experiences. We are also introducing French lessons for our Pioneers, taught by one of the Foundation teachers, enabling children to explore another language while developing their cognitive, listening and memory skills.
These opportunities are about much more than learning something new. They help children feel comfortable with new adults, new routines and new experiences, making the transition into school feel exciting rather than overwhelming.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is building relationships with families. We understand that every child is different, and every family experiences this milestone in their own way. By working closely with parents throughout their child’s nursery journey, celebrating achievements, supporting challenges and sharing key moments together, we can ensure each child is ready to move on with confidence.
For me, graduation is the moment when all those years come together. It is so much more than children wearing caps and collecting certificates. It is a celebration of every achievement, every milestone and every memory created along the way. It is a chance for families, children and staff to pause and recognise just how much has been accomplished together.
Every child leaves us with something different. Some have made us laugh every day with their huge personalities, some have amazed us with their kindness, some have asked a thousand questions and others have quietly grown into wonderfully confident little people. Every single child has made their mark on our nursery, and every single child leaves a lasting place in our hearts.
By the time our children leave us, they have strong roots. They know how to be kind. They know how to solve problems. They know how to make friends, ask questions, persevere when things feel difficult and believe in themselves.
Now they are ready to spread their wings.
