DAYCARE, nursery and reception age children at The Royal School wished everyone ‘Gong xi fa cai – Happy New Year’ last Wednesday, in a special joint assembly when they sang, spoke and danced to mark the start of the Chinese Year of the Rooster.

The children wore red clothing, as the colour red symbolises good fortune and joy. 

The daycare area was decorated with dragon pictures, while nursery pupils sang and put on a traditional dragon parade.

The reception classes made their own red envelopes and told parents all about the tradition of adults giving children a lucky red one with money inside to bring good luck and to celebrate the New Year. 

The assembly ended with a version of The Birdy Song to represent the Year of the Rooster.

A school spokesman said: “Making the move to big school can seem like a huge step for pre-school age children and their parents. At The Royal, our early years department not only share the same beautiful location but also jointly take part in special events and assemblies, so children enjoy a seamless transition between nursery and reception.”