Into the Early Years
‘Into the Early Years’ Transition Programme
We are delighted to introduce our new “Into the Early Years” transition programme, designed to support our new Nursery children and their families as they begin their school journey at Ash Green Primary Academy.
The aim of this programme is to provide a carefully phased and supportive start to school life, helping every child to feel nurtured, safe, and happy as they settle into their new environment. Full details of the programme can be found in the handbook linked below and will be overseen by our Nursery team, closer to your child’s official start date with us.
This new initiative also complements our established “Beyond the Early Years” programme, which supports children as they transition from Reception into Year 1, ensuring a continuous and thoughtful approach to early learning transitions.
We know how important it is to get your child’s start right. The right place for your child will be felt from the minute you step through our doors and meet our staff team. We hope the resources provided as part of this programme will offer you the support, reassurance and guidance you need as your little one begins their journey with us.
Into the Early Years: Programme Overview
Our Into the Early Years transition programme is designed to gently and thoughtfully support children and their families as they begin their journey into Nursery at Ash Green Primary Academy. The programme is structured across five phases, beginning in June and continuing throughout the school year. Each phase builds connection, confidence, and familiarity to ensure every child feels safe, nurtured, and ready to learn.
Phase 1: Early Connections (June – July)
The programme begins with building strong relationships between staff, children, and families. During this phase, we gather important information about each child—what makes them unique, what comforts them, and what helps them thrive. Families are introduced to the Ash Green Nursery environment so children can begin to feel at home before their official start.
Phase 2: Parent Workshop Webinars (July)
Families are invited to view two supportive workshop presentations designed to help them prepare their child for the transition into Nursery. These sessions provide practical guidance, answer questions, and help parents understand what to expect as their child begins school life at Ash Green and can be found on the school website.
Phase 3: Summer Touchpoints (August)
Throughout August, we continue to stay in touch with families to maintain connection and reduce any pre‑September worries. These touchpoints help keep children and families engaged, informed, and reassured during the summer break. Touchpoints are in the form of staff videos where you will be able to watch videos to remind your child of our Early Years Practitioners and a postcard from the new Nursery team that you can read to your child.
Phase 4: Early Settling (September)
As children officially begin Nursery, we offer a staggered start and flexible settling plans to ensure each child transitions at a pace that suits them.
Phase 5: Stay and Play (Autumn, Spring & Summer terms)
Throughout the school year, families are invited to join Stay and Play sessions. These experiences allow families to step into Nursery life and see the world through their child’s eyes, strengthening home‑school relationships and celebrating children’s development.
Phase 1 Resources
Welcome to Ash Green Nursery Letter
Phase 2 Resources
Social Story – First Day of School
Speech and Language Strategy Cards
Phase 3 Resources
In this phase of our programme you can meet our wonderful Early Years Practitioners! Click on the links below to find out more about them and put a face to a name.
Phase 4 Resources
1.‘Twas the Afternoon before Nursery’ story video:
The afternoon before Nursery – Share a story with Mrs Lane
View the above story and have a hot chocolate and a biscuit the afternoon before your child starts their Nursery journey from the comfort of your own home.
2.Staggered starts
During the first weeks of Nursery life at Ash Green, your child will receive a timetable for their staggered start to Nursery. This will involve a mix of morning and afternoon sessions (shorter and longer stays) which gradually build up to full time Nursery hours (if you choose this option). During these sessions, key workers will be available on the door for consistency.
3.Home Visits
Our wonderful key workers will pop out to see your child in their home and safe environment. This helps key workers to build a broader sense of understanding of your child.
Phase 5 Resources
Stay and Play sessions for families will be communicated at the start of the academic year.