BISP recently hosted an informative and engaging event for parents of children transitioning from Little Ducks to Nursery. The event aimed to provide parents with essential information, practical tips, and reassurance to ensure a smooth and successful transition for their children.

The session began with an overview of what to expect as children move from Little Ducks to Nursery. The focus was on helping parents understand the next step in their child’s educational journey and what can be done at home to prepare them for this exciting change.

Parents were introduced to the dedicated Nursery team, which includes:

• Nursery Red: Mr. Neil
• Nursery Blue: Ms. Katie
• Nursery Yellow: Mr. Ed, 
• Teaching Assistants: Ms. Mam, Ms. Kwan, Ms. Jit, Ms. Pla, Ms. Jam
• Intern: Ms. Georgia

This experienced and caring team is committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for all Nursery students.

Preparing at Home

Parents were given several practical tips to help prepare their children for the transition:

1. Practice Independence: Encourage children to do as much as possible for themselves, such as putting on shoes, getting dressed, carrying their own bag, and feeding themselves. Praise them for their efforts and give them small tasks to build responsibility.
2. Foster Social Skills: Arrange playdates and social interactions to help children develop social skills and confidence.
3. Talk About School: Discuss school, teachers, and friends from the previous year to create positive associations and excitement.
4. Healthy Routines: Establish healthy sleep and toilet routines to ensure children are well-rested and prepared for the school day.
5. Practice Transitions: Create opportunities at home for children to practise transitions, such as moving from one activity to another and organising their belongings.

Parents were given a virtual tour of the Nursery environment, which includes:

• Play-Based Learning: Emphasising the importance of learning through play.
• Curriculum Goals: Covering areas such as personal, social, and emotional development, communication and language, physical development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.
• Specialist Lessons: Including swimming, PE, library visits, and music, with a focus on building confidence and skills in a fun and engaging way.

The daily schedule for Nursery students will be from 7:50 am to 2:15 pm, with a phased settling period in the first two weeks of term. Parents were also informed about the availability of a sleep room for independent sleepers, with sleep being gradually phased out during the year.

Parents were reminded of the importance of the BISP school uniform, which includes a blue polo shirt and shorts, with an optional batik dress for girls. Covered toe footwear is required every day, with trainers needed for PE. Additionally, parents were advised to label all items and ensure their children bring a hat, drinking bottle, and spare uniform to school.

Health guidelines include:

• No toys or food from home.
• Avoid bringing expensive items to school.
• Arrive on time for drop-off and pick-up.
• Provide a doctor’s note if a child will miss swimming lessons.
• Check with the school nurse if a child is unwell.

The event emphasised the importance of open communication between parents and the Nursery team. Parents were encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns and to inform the school about their preferences for their child’s sleeping arrangements.

David Hyde, the Primary Principal, concluded the session by expressing the school’s commitment to supporting both parents and children during this transition. He reassured parents that the BISP community is looking forward to welcoming them back in August and is dedicated to ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all Nursery students.

With a strong foundation laid in Little Ducks, the children of BISP are set to thrive as they transition to their Nursery journey, ready to explore new opportunities and develop their skills in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Parents can review the slides below or contact their child’s teacher for any clarification needed.