Pre School

Coming to preschool (or nursery) is often your child’s first step into their educational journey. Going to ‘big school’ can be an exciting time but you (or your child) may be a little anxious or find the thought of it daunting.

We have developed this information to support you and your child through this time and to help make the transition as smooth as possible. By the end of their time with us they should have firm foundations in their learning and development to make them confident, capable and happy to move onto primary school.

We have strong links with all of our local primary schools, the closest ones to preschool are Whickham Parochial Church of England Primary School, Fellside Primary School and Clover Hill Primary School. The other schools in Whickham are Front Street Primary School, Washingwell Primary School and St.Mary’s Primary School. To ensure you choose the right school for your child visit them all to see which one most suits your family, but please be aware most of our schools are heavily over subscribed and they all have an admissions criteria. You can read the admissions information for Gateshead Schools on the local authority website and apply for a school place here.

Your catchment area school can be found by looking on the local authority map here. We strongly recommend you put your child’s catchment school down for first or at least second choice as the demand is so high for all our local schools. We are really lucky to have such amazing schools on our doorstep, but it does mean this limits their availability.

If you are unsure or have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Preparing for Transitions in Preschool

Being ‘school ready’ means having strong social skills, good communication ability and able to listen, understand boundaries, can cope emotionally from being separated from their family, being independent and are enthusiastic to try new activities which develops their desire to learn.

Within preschool we begin to prepare your child for the transition into school through play, the environment and activities such as:

• Ensuring they are independent in their personal care such as going to the toilet, putting on their own coat and shoes, feeding themselves, taking turns in play etc.
• Making firm friendships with peers and being able to try to sort out differences and share.
• Getting to know the children they will be going to school with through small group time activities.
• A school role play area including photos of all the different school buildings and some staff all the children will be attending.
• A box of uniforms from a variety of schools which the children can try on and get used to wearing while they play.
• Stories about starting a new school.
• Discussions on starting school with the children to give them opportunities to talk about any worries they may have and tell the others if they have visited the school before with their siblings.
• Inviting reception teachers into school to visit the children in an environment the child feels comfortable in, maybe share a story together.
• Transition meetings between preschool and reception class teachers to discuss individual children’s strengths, needs and interests and to pass on their current level of development and other documentation such as transition reports, to help prepare the new teacher for each unique child.
• Visit reception class and the hall in Whickham Parochial Primary School and opportunities to meet older children from school.
• Some preschool staff also work within the primary school so the children are aware of a friendly face at different times of the day.

You can support your child in making their transition to school easier by:

• Giving your child time, support and encouragement to be as independent as possible. Please do not underestimate the value of giving your child independence as it boosts self-esteem and self-confidence when children are able to do things for themselves.
• Labelling all their uniform so they know which uniform is theirs as they can often become anxious if it becomes lost.
• Attend school meetings so you are up to date with all information and you can explain any issues or discuss and concerns you have.
• Read stories and chat about it at home.
• Go for a walk past their new school regularly and watch the children coming and going.
• Show your child photos of their new school, make a little booklet and maybe add photos of their new teachers and assistants.
• Be relaxed about your home visit from the reception teachers, get your child ready with their favourite toys and books to show their new teachers.

We are always available for a chat if you have any concerns or worries, please do not hesitate to ask us and we will support you and your child as best as we can. Here are some links to offer you advice.

Pacey

Parentkind

CAMHS

Mentally Healthy Schools

Important!!!!

Your child is not guaranteed a place in any primary school where your child attends a nursery or preschool.

You MUST apply for primary school admissions separately.