From Nursery to 'Big School'

From Nursery to 'Big School' – How Our School Readiness Academy Supports the Transition

For many families at The Early Years Academy, the arrival of school allocation letters is a real milestone. It marks the moment where tiny toddlers, once settling into our preschool room, are now getting ready for the next stage in their journey: primary school.
It’s exciting, emotional and, let’s be honest, sometimes a little daunting for both parents and children.
That’s why we don’t leave it to chance.
Through our School Readiness Academy, we help our children prepare for school in a way that’s gentle, joyful and deeply embedded in our daily practice.

What Is The School Readiness Academy?

The School Readiness Academy at The Early Years Academy is our structured, play-based programme designed to ensure that children leave us emotionally ready, socially confident, and excited for school.

It isn’t about rushing into reading or sitting at desks, it’s about building the skills that really matter at this age:

Independence
Confidence
Communication
Self-care
Focus and resilience

We support children in becoming school ready while honouring their childhood.

What Happens When School Places Are Confirmed?

Once families receive confirmation of their child’s school placement, we begin to personalise each child’s preparation.

Here’s how we make this moment meaningful:

1. “My School” Discovery Boards
Children explore their new school visually, with photos, uniforms, maps, or even a logo. These are proudly displayed in the room to help build familiarity and reduce uncertainty.

2. Story Time with a Twist
We use school-themed books to gently introduce routines like school lunches, changing for PE, and meeting new teachers. These moments spark great conversations and give children a chance to ask questions at their own pace.

3. Practice Makes Confident
We role-play things like putting on a school jumper, finding your peg, or carrying your lunch tray. These little experiences go a long way in helping children feel confident on their first day.

4. Independence Builders
We focus on helping children master self-care tasks like:

Putting on shoes and coats
Using the toilet independently
Tidying up after themselves
Carrying a bag and water bottle

This is often what schools look for, even more than early literacy or numeracy.

A Partnership with Parents

We know this journey is just as big for parents. That’s why our practitioners keep close communication with families, offering support, guidance, and practical tips to make the transition smooth for everyone.

Parents are always welcome to share school updates with us, so we can help their child talk about it proudly, not shyly.

A Final Thought

Preparing children for school is not a box to tick, it’s a journey of becoming. And through our School Readiness Academy, we guide that journey with care, curiosity, and the belief that every child deserves to enter school feeling secure, capable and excited.

If your child is due to start school this September and you're wondering how to make the most of these final nursery months, speak to one of our team. We’re here to help your little one thrive.

Because when a child leaves The Early Years Academy, they don’t just go to school. They carry a little piece of us with them.

Ready To Experience The EYA Way For Yourself?

Book a visit to one of our nurseries today and see how we create a home-away-from-home for your child.