It seems like October half term was only yesterday, yet the Christmas holidays are just around the corner and many of us will be frantically trying to get everyone’s presents, making sure everything is set up for Christmas Eve and that the tree is decorated. Once the multitude of festive tasks are complete, there is thankfully for most, time to relax with out children and the chance for our thoughts to turn to the year ahead.

The longer Christmas holidays can be a great opportunity to reflect on our children’s schooling. For those with children already in school, it’s a chance to read the first full report of the year and take check that it is going the way you envisioned. For those starting to plan for either the very first school day next September, or the next big step. Applications for many schools open just after the holidays.

For students in Year 6 facing secondary school next year, it can seem a huge transition. The increased workload and change in environment, alongside the shift in social dynamics, going from the oldest in the school, to the very youngest, can be overwhelming for some.

At Westbourne, we have redefined the ‘stepping up to seniors’ process with outstanding success. A transition process which has culminated in the preparations for moving up to Westbourne Senior starting as early as Year 5. By Year 6, our students are in full residence in the Senior School, under the guidance of a specialist Middle Years Co-ordinator supporting the full transition into the next stage in the curriculum, with the confidence to fully explore the wealth of co-curricular clubs and activities on offer.

When moving from Nursery to Reception, the anxiety can be much the same for children and parents, the last time many parents will have stepped inside a school could well have been their own, more than a decade or two ago!

When considering any school move, it is naturally vital to identify a school where your child will feel secure in a nurturing environment to support their development. Choosing such a place isn’t always an easy task so it’s well worth a bit of research beforehand.

Determine what your criteria are: class sizes, breadth of clubs to develop interests beyond the classroom, how easy is it to access the teachers for any concerns about your child? For those considering independent education; it’s worth knowing that the first year of Reception many actually cost less than a full time nursery place.

Supporting our students throughout their development is at the very core of the Westbourne approach. Starting School taster sessions are offered for those children who step up to Reception next September, a core part of the week for our Little Westbourne pre-schoolers who are often reading within their first term in Reception, but also a great opportunity for those who may only be joining us for the first term next September to relax into the concept of school life

For students age 2 – 11 years Westbourne is open 51 weeks a year, with an active holiday club available outside of term time. Children can be dropped at school as early as 8am and stay after clubs until 6pm.

RESERVE A RECEPTION or YEAR 5/6 TASTER DAYS VIA admissions@westbourneschool.com

Want to find out more? Westbourne invites private visits and tours all year round. Check out their website and other platforms!

Hickman Road, Penarth, CF64 2AJ

Call 029 2070 5705

Website: www.westbourneschool.com

Instagram: @westbourne.school

Facebook: @westbourneschool