Inventors and Investigators Pre-prep

The Final Year at Nursery – Preparing for School

The year before children leave for school is a crucial time in their development. At Aspire, we have nurtured and supported them throughout their journey, understanding their unique needs and strengths. Because of this strong foundation, many children stay with us until they start school, ensuring they have consistency and a familiar environment rather than experiencing two transitions in one year.

What Does "School Ready" Mean?

Being "school ready" is about more than just academic skills—it’s about developing the confidence and independence needed for a successful transition. A school-ready child:
✔ Has strong social skills
✔ Can cope emotionally with being separated from their parents
✔ Is relatively independent in their personal care
✔ Shows curiosity about the world and a desire to learn

"PACEY research into what childcare professionals, teachers, parents, and children believe 'being school ready' means concluded that children should have a curiosity about the world and a desire to learn."

How Do We Prepare Children for School?

Every child learns at their own pace and in their own way. At Aspire, we maintain a higher staff-to-child ratio (approx1:5) compared to school nurseries (1:13), allowing for more individual attention during this vital year.

Each day, children engage in:
✅ Phonics sessions
✅ Active maths
✅ Sharing books and group activities
✅ Independent learning and problem-solving
✅ Extra-curricular activities that may not be available in school

Additionally, children take part in weekly learning walks in the natural environment to embed learning of phonics and maths, Zumba, Tennis, and Mandarin, enriching their learning experiences.

By the time they leave us, our children are confident in:
✔ Pencil control and mark-making
✔ Toileting and personal care
✔ Social interaction and problem-solving
✔ Using cutlery, putting on shoes, and dressing independently
✔ Counting skills, phonics, blending sounds to read, and early writing

Most importantly, they develop a love for learning, collaboration, and creativity—making lasting memories along the way.

Considering a School Nursery?

Many parents believe that attending a school nursery guarantees a place in reception. However, this is not the case—acceptance into a school nursery does not secure a spot in the school itself. This could mean your child moves from Aspire to a school nursery and then to a different school for reception, leading to multiple transitions.

"Previous research from PACEY shows that nearly three-quarters (71%) of parents were anxious about their child starting school, with close to half (48%) feeling more anxious than their child about the transition."

By staying at Aspire, children benefit from stability and consistency, ensuring they are just as well-prepared for school while avoiding unnecessary transitions and anxiety.

Parent Packs

For further guidance, feel free to download the PACEY School Readiness Poster and Parent Information Pack below. (Opens in a new window.)