The transition from Pre-Prep into Prep marks a significant milestone in a child's educational journey. Despite all that we do at Leweston to make this a smooth and steady progression it can be an exciting yet challenging time for both children and parents alike, with the prospect of sports fixtures, wider activity options and increased contact with subject specialists on the horizon. Miss Phillips offers some advice on what you can do at home to support the move into Prep 3.
Encourage Independence and Self-Responsibility
Prep School life will require the pupils to take on more responsibilities and become more independent in their learning and daily routines. They will be moving to different teachers and classrooms for different lessons, and there will no longer necessarily be someone to scoop up lost belongings or forgotten necessities behind them. To help your child adjust, gradually foster independence at home. Encourage them to take on age-appropriate tasks, such as packing their school bag, organising their belongings, and managing their time effectively.
Promote self-responsibility by allowing your child to make decisions and solve problems independently. This will help them develop the necessary skills to navigate the increased academic and social demands of the prep school. Encouraging independence will also boost their confidence and resilience, enabling them to adapt more easily to new environments and challenges.
Familiarise Your Child with the New Environment
A new part of the school can be intimidating for a young child. Drop-off arrangements may be different, as they are at Leweston, and it is highly likely that your child will have a different classroom, toilet block, changing room etc. Take steps to familiarise your child with the new environment before their first day. Many schools will run transition or ‘moving up’ days for exactly this purpose, but if they don’t arrange visits to the prep school, if possible, to explore the campus, classrooms, and facilities. Encourage your child to ask questions and express any concerns they may have.
If that’s not possible, use virtual resources like the school's website to provide your child with a visual understanding of the school. You can also find books or videos about starting prep school that can help them mentally prepare for the transition.
Nurture Social Skills and Friendships
Friendships play a vital role in a child's social and emotional development. Help your child build strong social skills by encouraging positive interactions with peers and fostering empathy and cooperation. Arrange playdates or activities with children who will be attending the same prep school, or moving through into the same class as your child, if possible, to help establish familiar faces and potential friendships.
Additionally, teach your child effective communication and problem-solving skills. This will enable them to navigate social situations and resolve conflicts independently. Assure them that it is normal to feel nervous about their friendships changing with new class groups and that many of their classmates will likely be experiencing the same emotions.
Develop a Routine and Study Habits
The Prep School entails a more structured and rigorous academic environment than that of the Pre-Prep. Help your child transition smoothly by establishing a consistent daily routine. Set regular bedtimes, meal times, and study schedules to create a sense of stability and balance.
Encourage good study habits by designating a quiet and well-equipped study area at home. Teach your child effective time management skills and the importance of staying organised. These skills will not only help them succeed academically but also instill discipline and responsibility.
Encourage Extracurricular Involvement
Extracurricular activities play a significant role in a child's overall development and can help them adjust to the social and academic demands of prep school. The number of activities available to them expands considerably at this point, pupils really benefit from the chance to try a wider range of options. Encourage your child to participate in clubs, sports, or creative activities that align with their interests. This involvement will not only help them form new friendships but also provide a sense of belonging and purpose within the school community. Attending sports training clubs will equip the pupils with the necessary skills to participate in competitive fixtures, which begin as pupils move into the Prep School. We recommend that pupils choose 3 or 4 activities per week, spread across lunchtime and after-school slots, retaining some sessions for after-school prep (homework) or relaxation time.
Maintain a Supportive Environment
Transition periods can be overwhelming, so it's crucial to maintain a supportive and nurturing environment at home. Be attentive to your child's emotions and concerns, and provide them with a safe space to express their feelings openly. Reassure them that it is natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness during this transition. If there is anything that seems to be a real cause of concern for them, speak with school early, as there is often a simple solution which can ease, or even remove, these worries.
Celebrate their achievements and encourage a positive mindset by highlighting their strengths and focusing on their progress rather than solely on the challenges they may face. By fostering a supportive environment, you will help your child develop resilience and confidence as they navigate their new academic journey.
A smooth transition from Pre-Prep to Prep School requires careful planning, preparation, and ongoing support. Starting early, nurturing independence, familiarising your child with the new environment, and promoting social skills and friendships are key strategies for ensuring success. Additionally, establishing routines, encouraging extracurricular involvement, and maintaining a supportive environment will help your child navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Fortunately, at Leweston, our Pre-Prep is thoroughly integrated with the Prep School, so that the transition feels natural and normal; enabling every child to make a confident move.
For more information about Leweston Prep contact Amanda Wilson at admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk
