I can’t believe I am here writing about you leaving nursery already, it is utterly surreal to me.

Most people who know us know that before you were even a year old we had decided to home educate. For so many reasons I won’t go into now we thought it would be the best choice for you and for our family. I stood by that for so long I have curriculum plans and a cupboard full of resources I stockpiled. Until this time last year it all changed.

I used to get equal parts furious and amused when family and friends would respond to our home school plans with the same stock responses, ‘what about socialisation?!’ ‘how will she learn to make friends?!’ All I could think was have you ever met my little Emma?! My feisty, independent, confident, oh so social Emma?!

But, of course, it was exactly this that changed our minds. You thrive being surrounded by your friends and we eventually decided to ask for your opinion. Simplified, that conversation went a little like this… ‘Emma would you like to learn at home or at school?’ ‘School with other people. Duh.’

In a bit of a mad rush we got you enrolled in a wonderful little nursery with some of your friends. The day we went to look around you strolled in and it was like you had always been there. The nursery manager was explaining the staggered settling in process and looked over her shoulder at you and said actually I don’t thinks she needs it.

It was such a good decision. Nursery has been the perfect place to just absorb and direct all the energy that bounds out of you. When you started you were all over the place, couldn’t stay still, didn’t focus very long on one thing and your listening wasn’t the best. Now you have so much more focus, you can concentrate on one task for a reasonable time and your listening skills are so much better. You are still an independent, energetic 4 and a half year old, but goodness you have bloomed in so many ways.

September to July. So much growth in every way. I am always so glad that your strengths and weaknesses reported at nursery are the same at home. That you are exactly the same little girl you are to me for everyone else, warts and all. I pray this remains the same as you take on your reception year in school. I pray you stay as confident, curious and characterful as you are now. Let school be a place for you to continue to grow, don’t shrink back from any of these things, that while challenging at times, make you Emma.

I think we will both miss nursery from the staff and your friends to the relaxed reliable routine. I hope we are both ready for the rigours of the school timetable when September comes.

For now I hope you always remember the amazing fun you had this year. I hope you always remember Nicky. I hope you always remember finishing your last day in true summer holiday style; an excess of cake and ice cream, surrounded by your best friends, splashing around completely care free in the sunshine.

If ever you can’t recall these moments, ask me. I will always remember your first last day.