Getting Ready for Primary School with More2

Starting school is a significant milestone for both children and parents. At More2Nurseries, we ensure that every child, whether they join us at six months or four years, develops the social, emotional, and practical skills they need to transition confidently into Reception.

At More2, we are committed to fostering independent, resilient thinkers who are ready for the challenges of primary school. Led by experienced and consistent staff in our pre-school room, children benefit from a wide range of expert activities covering all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We have high expectations for all children and encourage them to reach their full potential without pressure, ensuring they feel confident and capable as they take their next big step. We also recognise that children all develop at their own pace, and for some children, including those with developmental delays, reaching these milestones may take a little longer. Our approach is rooted in understanding and flexibility, ensuring every child is supported according to their unique needs and abilities.

To support school readiness, we have our own internal guide for More2 Parents, which has outlined this process since More2 opened. Over the years, we have tweaked some of our topics slightly and we have now adjusted our infographic to align with the 'Starting Reception' website.

A National Push for School Readiness Despite the Prime Minister’s target of ensuring 75% of children are ‘school ready’ by 2028, there is currently no official definition of what this means. To bridge this gap, Kindred Squared, in collaboration with nursery groups, educational organisations, and charities, has created a new website called "Starting Reception".

The new ‘Starting Reception’ website outlines in lots of detail, the key abilities children should develop before beginning Reception and provides lots of ideas on how to support each area and where to go for further information.

Key Skills for a Confident Start The ‘Starting Reception’ definition of school readiness highlights four key areas: • Growing independence • Building relationships and communication • Physical development • Healthy routines

Practical skills and activities that parents can introduce into daily routines include: • Using cutlery independently • Using the toilet unaided • Taking turns and sharing • Recognising their name • Hanging coats on pegs • Paying attention for short periods • Talking about their feelings • Being active for at least three hours a day • Putting coats on independently • Reducing screen time

At More2, we have a proven track record of preparing children for school with confidence and enthusiasm. We liaise with all the local primary schools and invite teachers in to visit our pupils.

J Price, Assistant Headteacher of a local Greenwich Primary School, shares “we have had a very good experience working with More2Nurseries. From the start of the transition process, the team was great at communicating with us as a school, always keeping us informed and involved. They warmly invited us to visit the children, allowing us to get to know them better before they transitioned to our school. The handover information they provide is thorough and incredibly helpful, ensuring a smooth transition for each child. We consistently find that children who come from More2 are well-prepared for school, displaying confidence, happiness, and strong social skills. It’s clear that More2 fosters an environment where children thrive and are set up for success”.

At More2, we believe that every child deserves the best start in life. By working together with families and providing expert guidance, we help children build the skills they need to step into school life with confidence.