When you think of graduating your thoughts naturally turn to university life and the idea of getting ready for the world of employment. However, one pre-school is proving that moving from year four to five is just as big a leap.

The Saplings Pre-school in Martlesham Heath has held the ceremony for the last six years to celebrate the step from preschool to primary school, this year proving to be just as spectacular as the last.

During the ceremony, 18 pre-school children ‘graduated’ while dressed in hand made mortar boards.

Looking the very image of a graduate, complete with smiling faces and waves to their proud families, they were presented with their graduation diplomas and leaving gift books from Mrs Becky Singleton, from Birchwood Primary School ,after a short address by Saplings manager, Irene Greenfield.

No graduation would be complete without the throwing of the mortar boards into the air and the Saplings event was no exception.

The day was attended by the parents and families of the youngsters who went on to enjoy a graduation tea party complete with strawberry cream scones, tea and squash. Photographs of all the graduates were taken for the families to purchase, with all the proceeds going towards helping to furnish their new outdoor play area.

Sarah Tait, a trustee of the Saplings, said: “It was a very special day for the children and for the Staff at the Saplings, who wish the graduating children all the very best as they begin at their primary schools in September.”

Dawn Neild, a parent who attended, said: “The Saplings really pulled out all the stops to make this such a lovely occasion, the children looked fantastic in their little mortar boards and were so proud of themselves.”

Another proud parent Alison Proir added: “My son was so proud to be graduating and is looking forward to starting at ‘big school,’ but he will miss The Saplings where he has had such a wonderful time.”

The Saplings is a registered charity run by a group of trustees and parents. They provide a full range of professional child care for children aged two to 11 in any school catchment area.

Among the services the Saplings provide is a holiday club that’s available every school holiday and half term between 8am and 6pm.

The holiday club keeps children entertained and cared for in a safe environment with activities such as a scavenger hunt, jewellery making and clay modelling.

During the term time the Saplings run both a Breakfast and After School club. The breakfast club provides breakfast, supervised teeth cleaning and a walking bus to Birchwood primary school. The after school club provides a cooked tea for children staying until 6pm, and activities including leisure time, help with homework, crafts and more.

The Saplings moved into their new premises in July 2011, with the outdoor play area being built in April 2012. They run various fund-raising events throughout the year: all with the aim of providing better equipment for the children, and are welcome to donations of any kind to help the charity reach it’s full potential.

For more information please call 01473614753, email news@thesaplings.org.uk or visit the website on www.thesaplings.org.uk.