09.14 Prime times – Transition to school
Moving on to school is a major transition in a child’s life involving separation from familiar adults and children. Older children have a more secure understanding of ‘people permanence’ and can approach new experiences with confidence. However, they need preparation if they are to approach transition to school with confidence and an awareness of what to expect.
Partnership with schools
Details of the school that a child will be attending are sought from parents.
Every effort is made to forge and maintain strong links with all schools that children may attend. The setting manager will approach schools to open lines of communication where these have not previously existed.
Details of the school’s transition or settling in procedures are kept by the setting and are referred to so that members of staff are familiar with them and can develop a consistent approach to transition with teachers, parents/carers and children.
Teachers are welcomed into the setting and sufficient time is made for them to spend time with the child, their parents/carers and with the key person, to discuss and share information that will support the child’s transition to school.
A child’s learning journey record is forwarded to the school along with other information that will aid transition and settling in. Parents/carers receive a copy of this.
Any action plans relating to a child’s additional needs are also shared, where this is in place.
Other formal documentation such as safeguarding information is prepared in line with procedure 07.6 Transfer of records.
Partnership with parents
Key persons discuss transition to school with parents and set aside time to discuss learning and development.
Key persons will discuss with parents/carers how they are preparing their child for school and will share information about how the setting is working in partnership with the school to aid transition.
Key persons will make clear to parents the information that will be shared with the school, for example, information regarding child protection and work that has taken place to ensure the child’s welfare.
Increasing familiarity for children
Rattlesden preschool works closely with Rattlesden school, visiting for events and regularly attending stay and plays within the reception class, when invited to do so.
Rattlesden Preschool will work with all schools within the area inline with the schools transition policy.
Preparing children for leaving
Children and parents/carers form bonds with adults and children in the setting and will need preparation for separating from the relationships they have formed.
The child’s last day should be prepared for in advance and marked with a special celebration or party that acknowledges that the child is moving on.
Parents/carers should not be discouraged from bringing the child for the occasional brief visit, as separations often take time to complete. Sometimes children need the reassurance that their nursery/pre-school is still there and that they are remembered.