In pre-prep, children are encouraged and taught to speak up, ask questions, share and present ideas, debate topics and reason with confidence. Big futures start early and by encouraging children to take on responsibility at the first opportunity, children soon learn that good leadership and good teamwork go hand in hand.

At Wakefield Grammar Pre-Prep, leadership isn’t something that begins later in a child’s school journey – it is nurtured from the very start. Serving children from EYFS through to Key Stage 1, our vision places our youngest learners at the heart of leadership development, enabling them to build the confidence, empathy and independence that will empower them as they move into Key Stage 2 and beyond.

Why Start Leadership in EYFS and KS1?

Young children are naturally curious, imaginative and eager to take part. We see this as a powerful opportunity: if we show them early on that their voice matters, their actions make a difference and they can lead in their own way, they carry that confidence with them for years to come.

Leadership at this age is not about formality or titles – it is about shaping habits and behaviours. It is found in kindness, initiative, responsible choices and the courage to try something new. When nurtured early, these qualities become the foundation for mature leadership as pupils transition into KS2.

A Developmental Approach: The Little Leaders Framework

Drawing on research including Parry Perkson’s Leadership Habits for Kids, we have created a progression that is age-appropriate, inclusive, and rooted in skills that grow over time.

In EYFS and KS1, children develop four core “Little Leader Habits”:

• Help Others

• Take Responsibility

• Think Forward

• Express Yourself

These habits are woven into daily routines, classroom culture and play. Whether it’s helping a friend, planning a task, solving a problem, or sharing an idea, children learn that every small action is an act of leadership.

As they approach the end of KS1, these habits naturally transition into early leadership skills such as empathy, goal setting, communication and initiative – ready to be deepened in Key Stage 2.

Meaningful Roles That Grow Confidence

Our leadership roles are designed specifically for young children and give every pupil the chance to shine. These roles span four strands – Wellbeing, Voice, Academic and Operational – providing a broad and exciting range of opportunities.

Examples include:

• Kindness Captains, who look out for others

• Story Sharers, who inspire a love of reading

• Eco Explorers, who help care for the environment

• Playtime Zone monitors, who support safe and inclusive play.

Leadership for Every Child

A defining feature of our approach is inclusivity. Leadership is not reserved for the confident or the outspoken – it is for every child. Through gentle modelling, supported turn-taking, reflection activities and adult-guided opportunities, all pupils can find their voice in a way that feels safe and empowering.

We pay particular attention to nurturing quieter children and those with additional needs, ensuring that leadership is not performance-based but rooted in personal growth and authentic contribution.

A Launchpad for KS2 and Beyond

The goal of the Little Leaders Programme is not simply to teach leadership in the moment; it is to build the secure foundations children will draw upon for the rest of their learning journey. By the time they reach Key Stage 2, pupils leave Pre-Prep with:

• the confidence to speak

• the empathy to listen

• the resilience to try

• the responsibility to act

• and the understanding that leadership is about helping others

These qualities mean they arrive in KS2 ready not only to take on leadership roles, but to thrive in them.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to develop and refine our Little Leaders Programme, we are committed to strengthening the relationship between Pre-Prep and the Preparatory School (KS2). What begins as a moment of kindness or curiosity in EYFS transforms into confidence and capability in KS1 – and blossoms into influential leaders as pupils progress through KS2.

At Wakefield Grammar Pre-Prep, we are proud to nurture leaders from the very beginning. When children learn early that their ideas matter and their actions have impact, they carry that belief with them for life.