IT can be difficult to imagine, watching a child in their first school uniform or taking part in a Pre-Prep nativity play, that they will be one day leaving to go on to make their way in the outside world.
At Wellingborough School there is a whole Family of Schools that make the journey from nursery to university entrance as smooth and as happy as possible.
Headteacher of Wellingborough School Pre-Prep, Jocelyn Everett, welcomes children from the age of three into her part of the school, seeing them begin to learn through play and gradually developing in academic life until they are read
IT can be difficult to imagine, watching a child in their first school uniform or taking part in a Pre-Prep nativity play, that they will be one day leaving to go on to make their way in the outside world.
At Wellingborough School there is a whole Family of Schools that make the journey from nursery to university entrance as smooth and as happy as possible.
Headteacher of Wellingborough School Pre-Prep, Jocelyn Everett, welcomes children from the age of three into her part of the school, seeing them begin to learn through play and gradually developing in academic life until they are ready, at the age of eight, to move into the Prep School.
During their time in Pre-Prep, the children will form friendships that will carry on throughout the school, learning to work together, respect one another and the school, and behave in a way that makes the school a pleasant place for every child.
“When people think of Wellingborough School they think of a rather large, imposing environment but life is quite different in nursery and the earlier years,” she said. “Children can come to us from the age of three, with parents able to take advantage of government funding, just as they can in any nursery, and from there they begin their academic life.
“We begin with lots of fun and play, gradually adding more structure until the children are ready to leave, after Year 3, to go into the Prep School.
“But what is just as important is that the children in Pre-Prep are part of this fantastic school with all of the facilities that go with it. So, every Year 2 child will start learning a musical instrument, for instance, and if we need to use the sports facilities we can. Also, the older children get involved in helping out with the younger ones and the little ones love that.
“It helps make the transition through school much easier because they can see what’s ahead of them, they know what to expect and the get excited about moving on and growing up. They don’t go through that transition that comes with moving school, which can be quite traumatic for a child, they simply move on to something that is new, but at the same time, familiar.”
Parents interested in finding out more about Wellingborough School can visit at any time. Open Days are held in March and October but appointments to visit are welcome at any time. Children can join the school at any stage of their academic life.
“Although the Open Days are very popular,” said Jocelyn Everett, “it’s often better to come on a normal school day because you get a better idea of how the school works on a daily basis. We’re always happy to show visitors round and let them see the facilities we have on site for even the youngest child.”