Starting school is a really exciting milestone, but for many children and families it can also feel like a big change. The move into Reception doesn’t just happen on the first day of term its much more of a gradual process that works best when children,families,nursery staff and school staff are involved. When transition is done well, children don’t feel like they are starting from scratch. They feel familiar, confident, and supported.

Transition is a process, not a moment

Every child is different. Some children are ready to walk into a school setting with confidence, while others need a bit more time to adjust to new routines and environments.

That’s completely normal.

Transition isn’t about rushing children to be “ready for school” by a certain date. It’s about helping them build familiarity and confidence over time so the change feels manageable and positive.

Why working together matters

Children settle best when the adults around them are communicating well and sharing information.

This includes:

• Nurseries sharing what they know about each child
• Schools listening to families and early years practitioners
• Parents feeling involved and informed throughout the process
• Consistent messages across all settings

When this happens, children benefit from continuity. They arrive at school already known, rather than being seen as a “new start”.

Families play a key role

Parents and carers know their child better than anyone. The small details they share—what comforts their child, what interests them, how they respond to change—are really valuable in helping schools support a smooth transition.

Many families are also unsure what “school readiness” actually means. It’s not about formal learning or academic skills. Instead, it’s about building independence, confidence, and emotional security.

This might include things like:

• Being able to separate from a familiar adult
• Managing simple self-care such as coats or toileting
• Listening and joining in during group activities
• Developing confidence in new social situations

These skills develop gradually through everyday experiences, not overnight.

Helping children feel prepared

There are lots of simple things that help children feel more confident about starting school. Visiting the new setting, talking positively about school, and becoming familiar with routines can all make a difference.

What’s most important is that children feel safe and supported throughout this process. There is no pressure for everything to be perfect before they start—nursery and school will continue to build on these skills together.

Even after children start Reception, they are still settling in. The first term is a key part of the transition process as children adjust to new adults, new routines, and a different environment.

Good transition doesn’t end in September. It continues as children build relationships and confidence in their new setting.

When nurseries, schools, and families work together, children feel it. They arrive at school with a sense of familiarity and trust, which helps them settle more easily and feel ready to learn.

Strong relationships and open communication make all the difference.

The post Getting Ready for Reception: Why Transition is Something We Do Together appeared first on Witty Kiddies Nurseries.

Messy Play and Early Years.

At first glance, messy play can look exactly like the name suggests ….. messy.

Paint on sleeves, sand in shoes, mud on wellies , a tray of something that looks suspiciously chaotic. You may even wonder what is my child actually learning? Is there a purpose behind it? Messy Play is far more than “just making a mess”. It is one of the most powerful ways young children learn about the world.

Messy play involves children exploring materials using their senses, especially touch. This might include :

• Water, sand or mud
• Paint, clay or playdough
• Shredded paper, natural materials or loose parts
• Cornflour goop and other sensory mixtures.

As described in Messy Play in the Early Years , messy play is about the process and not necessarily the product so at Witty Kiddies it is not about creating the perfect picture or item. Instead it is about what the children discover through every squeeze, pour, splatter, scoop and smear. Messy materials are wonderfully unpredictable in the way that they move, drip, stick and splatter. An unpredictability that sparks curiosity and curiosity is the foundation of learning.

When children are immersed in sensory play, their brains are making connections. They are developing:

Cognitive skills : through experimenting and problem-solving
Language skills : as they describe textures and share ideas
Fine motor strength : through squeezing, pouring and manipulating materials
Emotional resilience : by tolerating new sensations and managing uncertainty

For some children, messy play is energising and exciting.
For others, it is calming and regulating.

Both experiences are valuable.

Why We Prioritise Messy Play at Nursery

As a nursery, our role is to create rich learning environments that prepare children not just for school — but for life.

Messy play supports:

• Independence
• Curiosity
• Creative thinking
• Risk assessment
• Self-regulation
• Confidence in exploring the unknown

We carefully plan environments that allow children to explore safely and meaningfully. While the play may look spontaneous, the thinking behind it is intentional.We also understand that some children need time. Not every child dives straight in — and that’s okay. Learning to approach new textures gradually is part of emotional growth. The aim is not to create a perfect end product. It is to allow children to experience the process of discovery.

Supporting Messy Play at Home

You don’t need elaborate setups or expensive resources. Simple experiences can be just as powerful.

You might try:

• Baking together (mixing, pouring, kneading)
• Water play in the bath with cups and containers
• A tray of dry rice or oats for scooping and pouring
• Mud, sand or natural materials outdoors

A few helpful tips:

• Dress for mess — it reduces stress for everyone.
• Set clear boundaries (“The sand stays in the tray.”).
• Allow time without rushing the clean-up.
• Focus on the exploration, not the outcome.

• Getting Ready for Reception: Why Transition is Something We Do Together
• Messy Play and Early Years.
• How to Potty Train Your Toddler
• Graduation – Class of 2025
• Father’s Day

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The post Messy Play and Early Years. appeared first on Witty Kiddies Nurseries.

It was a joyful and heartwarming day as we celebrated Father’s Day in our nursery setting. Fathers and even a few proud grandfathers joined us to enjoy quality time with their children through a variety of fun and engaging activities.

The nursery was beautifully decorated with balloons and Father’s Day themed artwork, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Families had the opportunity to bond through shared play, laughter, and meaningful moments.

To mark the occasion, snacks and chocolates were provided for everyone to enjoy. In the days leading up to the event, the children created handmade Father’s Day cards, which they took home to present to their dads and granddads — a thoughtful surprise filled with love and creativity.

It was a special celebration of the important role fathers and grandfathers play in our children’s lives and a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the relationship between home and nursery.

The post Father’s Day appeared first on Witty Kiddies Nurseries.