Supporting the Journey: Transitioning from Nursery to School at The Villa

At The Villa School and Nursery, we know that the transition from nursery to school is a defining moment in a child’s early years. It marks the shift from one phase of exploration to another, and it is a journey that requires time, thought, and an environment that truly understands children.

As we look ahead to September, we are excited to welcome a new cohort of Reception children — many of whom already know us well. One of the great strengths of The Villa is that we are one community — nursery and school under the same roof, sharing a common ethos, consistent routines and familiar faces. This structure allows us to offer children something truly powerful: a seamless, emotionally secure transition that honours where they’ve come from and supports where they’re going.

Why Transition Matters

For young children, change can feel big. The move from nursery to school can bring both excitement and uncertainty — new expectations, environments, friendships and routines. When this transition is handled with care, it strengthens children’s confidence, builds resilience, and sets them up for a positive school experience. When rushed or unsupported, it can disrupt learning and wellbeing.

At The Villa, we place great importance on getting transition right. That means recognising that it doesn’t happen in a day — and that emotional readiness is just as important as academic readiness.

A Unique Continuity

Our structure — with Nursery and Reception as part of the same school community — allows us to offer continuity that few settings can match. Children move through the phases of our Early Years with a deep sense of belonging. They are already familiar with the physical space, shared routines and many of the adults they will encounter in school.

“It feels like a second home to our son — not just a school,” one parent reflected.

This continuity offers a calm and confident foundation. For children, the boundaries between ‘nursery’ and ‘school’ feel natural — not jarring. For families, it means transition is not a handover, but a stepping forward.

In Nursery, Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) is embedded into every part of the day. Through group time, play, modelling and daily reflection, children learn the emotional skills they need to navigate new challenges: resilience, empathy, risk-taking and collaboration. They are introduced to the Zones of Regulation, helping them identify their feelings and choose strategies to self-manage — an approach that continues as they move into Reception.

“We see the techniques used at home when our child is distressed,” one parent told us.“She’s learning to say what she’s feeling — and to do something about it.”

Preparing for Reception

From the summer term in Nursery, children begin a carefully supported transition programme that gradually introduces them to their new environment, staff and routines. This includes:

• Short visits to the Reception classroom in the form of 'Stay and Plays'

• Storytime and play with Reception teachers

• Familiarisation with lunch, playground and assembly spaces

• Joint Nursery–Reception activities that foster friendships

We work closely with families throughout, offering clear communication, parent meetings and opportunities to discuss each child’s individual needs. This allows us to ensure every child feels known, supported and confident ahead of their September start.

Our Reception team are also part of this process — observing children in their current setting, speaking with nursery staff, and forming early relationships with families. This ensures the transition is relational, not administrative.

As one parent described:

“My daughter’s move into Reception was so smooth — she didn’t see it as ‘starting school’ at all. She already felt like she belonged.”

Consistency with Growth

When children enter Reception, they begin our bespoke PSHE programme and are introduced to our “Villa Tools” — a framework for developing personal strengths such as resilience, collaboration, perseverance and reflection. Because many of the core values and strategies are already familiar, children are able to engage with the next stage of their development with confidence.

One parent shared:

“Libby has flourished since starting at The Villa. She’s now tackling things she once found daunting — and she sees herself as someone who can keep trying.”

Children are encouraged to make connections between their nursery experiences and their new learning. Teachers reference shared routines, familiar language and children’s existing friendships, ensuring Reception feels like a continuation, not a restart.

This continuity supports not only emotional wellbeing but academic progress. In our most recent inspection, the quality of our transition was highlighted as contributing to children’s high levels of self-confidence, emotional awareness, and readiness to engage in purposeful learning.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare to welcome our next Reception cohort, we are excited — not just because they’re ready for school, but because they already feel part of it. Transition at The Villa is not just about new uniforms and new books. It is about trust, confidence and belonging. It is about children moving forward with the support of adults who know them, peers who celebrate them, and an environment that is designed around their developmental needs.

We know that when transition is done well, it empowers children to see themselves as learners and contributors. It allows them to hold on to their curiosity while stepping into new challenges. And it strengthens the connection between school and home, setting the tone for a successful learning journey.

We are proud that, at The Villa, this journey is not rushed — it is nurtured.

“My child is happy, confident and excited about learning — and for those moments when he’s not, The Villa gives him the tools to get himself back on track.”

We look forward to seeing those first-day smiles this September — and to continuing to support every child as they grow in strength, character and joy.