Starting school must seem a little daunting for children so young, and a nerve racking experience for their parents as they leave them at the school that first time. The same may be said for starting nursery but the advantages of doing so are manifold.

Attending nursery prepares children for what to expect when they start school so that when the time comes, they’ll be happy and confident and fit seamlessly in. It gets them into a routine, from getting ready in the morning, having a set lunchtime with their peers and getting ready to leave again at the end of the day. Wearing a uniform, having belongings to look after, even toilet and hand washing routines – these are all invaluable preparations.

Flying High after NGHS Nursery

Girls who join the NGHS Nursery are immersed in a school environment and all the benefits and opportunities that this affords from the outset. Situated at the heart of the Infant and Junior School, the girls enjoy contact with older pupils who become important role-models to our 3 and 4 years olds. This helps their social development as they make friends with children in varying age groups. It develops their independence and problem solving skills, how to choose activities and what they like to play with. They learn to share and collaborate, the early stages of teamwork. And here at NGHS they have the added benefits of learning in state of the art facilities such as the theatre, woodland and gymnasium – there is nothing holding these young learners back.

The Nursery girls are expertly taught and guided by Early Years Specialist Teacher, Emma Duce, who has a passion for developing early communication and a love of books, stories and libraries. The girls are also introduced to early approaches to reading and writing through their phonics sessions, as well as numeracy and even some more specialised subjects such as Music, Languages and Sport delivered by expert teachers from across the school.

Head, Laura Fowler explains:

“We have seen impressive progress when girls begin Reception Class at the age of 4 after they’ve attended NGHS Nursery. They feel confident and secure in the setting and with the staff and pupils. They also have a solid foundation for learning across the curriculum but particularly in early reading, writing and maths. This is of course a delight to see and share with parents via our online learning journey portal. I have no doubt that these girls will go on to achieve great things as they move through our school and beyond.”