Summerseat Methodist School welcomes Reception children with teddy bears’ picnic

Summerseat Methodist School welcomed its newest Reception children and their families this week with a teddy bears’ picnic: an afternoon of games, nursery rhymes, shared food, and a first chance to meet the staff and leaders who will be part of their school journey.

Children explored the school’s woodland area together, playing games and singing nursery rhymes in the open air. Every child left with their very own Summerseat bear tucked under their arm, a keepsake to take home and help them feel ready for September.

The event is part of a wider, carefully planned transition programme developed by the school. Over the summer holidays, families will receive weekly videos from Summerseat’s leaders and teaching staff sharing stories and rhymes, keeping that connection alive between now and the first day of term.

Summerseat’s approach also includes home visits, previous setting visits, meetings with local nurseries, and a dedicated booklet to help families work alongside school to prepare their children for Reception.

Sarah Brown, Head of School at Summerseat Methodist said

Starting school is one of the biggest moments in a young child’s life, and we want every family to feel confident and welcomed from the very beginning. Our teddy bears’ picnic is just the start of that relationship. We’re committed to getting to know each child as an individual before they walk through our doors in September, and we’ll be with them every step of the way.”

Summerseat Methodist School is part of Epworth Education Trust, a Methodist multi-academy trust of ten primary schools across the North West and East Midlands.