HESS PRESCHOOL SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMME SINGAPORE
At Hess Preschool, our School Readiness Programme ensures that children develop foundational skills in early literacy, numeracy, and self-management, which are essential for a smooth transition into Primary School. We combine this preparation with holistic development, nurturing the whole child socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically through an inquiry-driven, well-rounded curriculum.
Our programme incorporates project-based learning, language and literacy activities, and hands-on cognitive and mathematical challenges, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression.
By blending Primary 1 preparation with opportunities for exploration, Kindergarten 2 students are guided to become resilient, independent, and motivated learners, ready to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally both inside and beyond the classroom.
WHAT IS A SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMME?
Our School Readiness Programme is designed to help young children transition from the early years environment to Primary School in Singapore.
We achieve this by developing core literacy and numeracy skills, promoting social-emotional maturity, establishing routines, and nurturing the independence and self-assurance needed for a smooth transition to Primary 1.
WHAT DOES OUR SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMME INCLUDE?
Our School Readiness Programme is designed to build the essential skills children need before entering Primary 1.
- Bilingual Language Experiences: English and Chinese are woven into daily phonics sessions, storytelling, role-play, and guided conversations to support early reading, writing, and communication in natural contexts.
- Foundational Mathematics Sessions: Children engage in hands-on number work, patterning, counting, and simple problem tasks using concrete materials before moving to pictorial and abstract concepts.
- Guided Social Interaction Activities: Daily group work, stories, and role-play create opportunities for children to practise interaction, emotional expression, and classroom conduct in supportive settings.
- Listening and Focus Practice: Our educators plan short, guided learning blocks and interactive activities to gradually extend attention span, listening accuracy, and task completion.
- Project-Based Exploration: Open-ended projects, experiments, and inquiry tasks are integrated to support thinking, questioning, and applied learning across subjects.
WHAT SKILLS DO CHILDREN DEVELOP IN OUR SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMME?
Our School Readiness Programme equips children with the essential skills needed to thrive in a Primary 1 environment.
- Language & Early Literacy Foundations: Children develop strong communication skills through phonics, vocabulary-building, storytelling, and listening activities that prepare them for reading and writing.
- Numeracy Basics: Hands-on counting, patterning, number recognition, and simple problem-solving build early mathematical understanding.
- Social Skills and Independence: Children develop responsibility and independence through proper routines, taking ownership of tasks, and caring for their belongings. Group activities encourage cooperation, teaching them to share, take turns, and collaborate effectively with peers.
- Fine & Gross Motor Development: Activities such as drawing, cutting, and outdoor play strengthen coordination, balance, and hand-eye coordination needed for writing and physical tasks.
- Communication & Listening Skills: Children enhance their ability to express ideas clearly, comprehend instructions, and engage confidently in discussions and storytelling.
SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMME PROCESS AT HESS PRESCHOOL
Our School Readiness Programme follows a carefully planned, supportive process that builds confidence, and independence.
- Initial Observation & Assessment: Our educators begin by observing each child’s learning behaviours, strengths, and areas for growth to understand their unique readiness level.
- Personalised Support & Guided Learning: Based on these insights, children receive tailored guidance, targeted activities, and encouragement that match their developmental needs.
- Establishing Classroom Routines: Daily routines, transitions, and responsibilities help children adapt to structured environments and build independence.
- Continuous Evaluation & Adjustment: Progress is monitored consistently, and learning plans are refined to support ongoing development.
- Regular Parent Communication: Teachers share updates frequently, ensuring home and school work together to reinforce skills and maintain a consistent readiness journey.
BENEFITS OF A STRUCTURED SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMME
Starting school is an exciting milestone, and our readiness programme helps children develop the skills they need for a smooth transition.
- Early Literacy Skills: Our programme helps in building strong academic basics through engaging, play-based activities.
- Social & Emotional Development: Our educators help children adjust to group settings and express themselves confidently.
- Motor Skills Development: They develop the fine and gross motor abilities needed for writing, self-care, and active participation.
- Positive Learning Attitude: They cultivate enthusiasm by making activities fun and meaningful for children.
- Independence & Routine: Our educators also encourage classroom-ready habits through age-appropriate routines.
- Parental Support & Guidance: They provide insights to help parents reinforce learning and ease the transition at home.
WHY CHOOSE US
WHY CHOOSE OUR SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMME IN SINGAPORE?
Designed for Singapore’s learning environment, our School Readiness Programme blends preparation with child-centred exploration to help children transition confidently into Primary 1.
- Strong, Inquiry-Driven Curriculum: Our robust, inquiry-driven curriculum for preschool education nurtures literacy, numeracy, creativity, and critical thinking.
- Experienced and Caring Educators: Experienced, qualified educators who guide learning with empathy, intentional facilitation, and genuine care.
- Intentional Routines for Independence: Child-centred routines that build independence, focus, and positive learning habits aligned with primary school expectations.
- Age-Appropriate Learning Frameworks: Our age-appropriate frameworks grow with each child, ensuring a seamless progression from play-based exploration to systematic learning.
- Balanced, Child-Centred Approach: A balanced approach that supports academic readiness while strengthening confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being.
Here to Help
SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMME — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To help you understand how our School Readiness Programme supports young learners, we’ve addressed the most frequently asked questions.
What teaching methods do you use in the School Readiness Programme?
We use project-based learning, bilingual literacy, hands-on maths, and inquiry-driven activities in our School Readiness Programme that spark curiosity. Children grow through social-emotional guidance, creative arts, outdoor play, and cognitive challenges that build problem-solving skills.
What is the duration of the School Readiness Programme?
The duration of our School Readiness Programme is XX hours, providing children with consistent, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. This carefully designed schedule ensures adequate Primary 1 preparation, helping children build confidence and essential skills for a smooth transition to formal schooling.
Nursery 1, on the other hand, is for children turning 3 years old in the calendar year and introduces more structured, purposeful activities that lay the foundation for academic readiness. Children engage in hands-on experiences that build early literacy, numeracy, bilingual communication, and problem-solving skills, all while continuing to learn through play.
Do children need any prior knowledge before joining this programme?
Children do not need any prior knowledge before joining our School Readiness Programme. It is designed to meet children where they are, introducing skills gradually through age-appropriate activities.
How do you support children who are shy or take time to adjust?
Our School Readiness Programme supports shy or slow-to-adjust children through small-group settings, predictable routines, and gentle encouragement. Teachers model social skills, guide emotional self-regulation, and introduce classroom expectations to help children build confidence and adapt smoothly.
What is the teacher-to-child ratio in the School Readiness Programme?
In our School Readiness Programme, we maintain a low teacher-to-child ratio of 1:6, ensuring that every child receives focused guidance and meaningful interaction. This group setting allows teachers to observe learning behaviours and closely support individual needs.
How can parents support school readiness at home?
Parents can support school readiness at home by building consistent daily routines, encouraging early literacy through reading and simple writing activities, and nurturing emotional and social skills. Regular conversations, routines, and guided interactions help children build confidence, self-management, and positive learning habits.