Author: Clare Prynn, FS2 Teacher at Chorister School. 

At Chorister School, we are committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where young children develop self-esteem, confidence, and emotional well-being. As a school with a long-standing tradition of co-education, we believe that boys and girls learning together from the earliest years fosters a sense of mutual respect, collaboration, and confidence. This holistic approach mirrors the real world, helping children develop essential social skills from the start. 

Our approach aligns with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which emphasizes the importance of building children’s personal, social, and emotional development (PSED). By embracing co-education from the outset, we provide an inclusive environment where children grow together, celebrating diversity and fostering friendships regardless of gender. This inclusive start lays the foundation for lifelong confidence, resilience, and independence. 

Starting nursery or school is an exciting milestone, and we understand that children and parents may feel both excitement and apprehension. Our approach ensures a smooth and reassuring transition, with: 

A dedicated key person, as outlined in the EYFS framework, providing consistency and emotional security. 

Gradual settling-in sessions such as taster days, stay-and-play, and moving-up day. 

Close communication with parents, offering guidance and reassurance through home or nursery visits, transition talks, and academic evenings. 

The EYFS framework highlights that children need secure relationships to thrive, and our early years department prioritises strong attachments to ensure children feel safe and confident. Co-education from the earliest years supports this by promoting positive interactions and friendships among all children. 

Building confidence and independence.

Children should be supported to develop a positive sense of themselves and confidence in their abilities. We encourage this by: 

Making choices and taking small responsibilities, such as helping with classroom tasks. 

Encouraging exploration of new challenges with confidence and curiosity. 

Celebrating personal achievements, helping them build resilience and a sense of self-worth. 

Learning in a co-educational environment allows children to see peers of all genders working and succeeding side by side, reinforcing a balanced and inclusive perspective from the beginning. 

Helping children identify, express, and manage their emotions is essential to their well-being and personal development. In line with EYFS guidance, we support this by: 

Encouraging emotional literacy through naming and discussing feelings. 

Providing a nurturing environment where emotions are respected and acknowledged. 

Teaching self-regulation and problem-solving skills to develop emotional resilience. 

We foster a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusion, guided by our MARK Values. Children develop positive relationships through: 

Encouraging cooperation, empathy, and respect in peer interactions. 

Modelling positive behaviour through staff and older pupils. 

Recognising and celebrating acts of kindness, reinforcing our MARK values. 

We know that positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in developing self-esteem. In line with the EYFS emphasis on creating a positive and enabling environment and our award-winning Wellbeing Curriculum, we achieve this by: 

Using specific and meaningful praise to highlight effort, perseverance, and achievements. 

Encouraging a growth mindset, where mistakes are seen as valuable learning opportunities. 

Recognizing and valuing each child’s unique strengths and contributions. 

By embedding the EYFS principles alongside Confidence for Life and our MARK Values, we ensure that children at Chorister School develop into confident and resilient learners, who are ready to embrace the world with enthusiasm and curiosity. Co-education has always been a core aspect of our identity, and we believe that learning together from the earliest years sets the foundation for success and happiness throughout life.