Welcome to our Owls Page. At Sturminster Marshall Preschool, the owls are the oldest and wisest of our children. They are the children in their final preschool year, aged 3 and 4, moving to school the following September . They are at an exciting stage in their development. At this age, children are curious, eager to learn, and start to show greater independence. We focus on preparing them for their move to ‘big school’. Our children can feed to one of the many local schools, but often move up to Sturminster Marshall First School, which we sit on the grounds of.
The owls have either Louise Stubbs, or Holly Keets as their key person.
To apply for a Dorset school place: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/education-and-training/schools-and-learning/apply-for-a-school-place
Getting your child ready to start school
School readiness refers to a child’s ability to cope with the demands of starting primary school, both socially and emotionally, as well as physically and cognitively. It encompasses skills such as being able to listen and follow instructions, communicate needs, play cooperatively with others, manage personal belongings, and demonstrate a level of independence in daily routines. School readiness is not simply about academic skills like reading and writing, but rather about developing the confidence and adaptability needed to thrive in a new learning environment.
| Skills to practice before starting Reception |
| Growing Independence |
| Taking care of themselves:
· Putting on/taking off shoes and coat · Using the toilet and washing hands · Getting dressed with little help · Using cutlery and drinking from an open cup · Spending time away from parents, learning they can be cared for by other caring adults |
| Play, creativity and curiosity:
· Participating in imaginative play · Drawing, painting, colouring and sticking · Sharing story books, looking at pictures and talking about the characters · Exploring the world around them |
| Building Relationships and Communicating |
| Being with others:
· Sharing and turn taking with others · Talking about how they are feeling, and why · Look at story books with others, speak about the characters may feel · Begin to recognise what others are feeling · Encourage setting boundaries for themselves, and others |
| Communication and Language:
· Sing along with songs and nursery rhymes · Talk happily to others about activities, experiences and the world around them · Using clear language · Recognising their own name |
| Listening and engaging:
· Paying attention, for short periods · Listening to, and following, simple instructions · Carrying on with a task, even when its difficult, bouncing back after difficulties |
| Physical development |
| Getting moving for at least 3 hours a day:
· Walking up and down steps, one foot at a time · Climbing, running, jumping and playing · Catching a large ball · Simple puzzles and crafts, strengthening grip with cutting and sticking |
| Healthy Routines |
| · Going to bed the same time each night, waking up and getting ready
· Limiting screen time to recommended daily amounts · Eating a healthy diet and trying new foods · Brushing teeth twice a day |
For more information on how to support your child with starting school:
https://startingreception.co.uk/#the-basic-skills-to-practice