In their early years, children go through many transitions - moving on to a new activity, setting or school, moving between classrooms or starting at a setting for the first time.
The following guidance will enable preschool providers and schools to plan positive transitions for the children they are supporting, and reflect on the support they give to early years children through points of transition.
Early years universal transition guidance (PDF, 366KB)The following timeline outlines the activity that should take place to support children to make a positive transition to school.
The following transition summary template can be used to support the transition process in your own provision. An example of a completed summary can be found in the guidance document below.
The following information may be useful to share with parents and carers of children starting school:
- Supporting your child as they prepare for school - Information and practical guidance for parents of children preparing to start school.
- Books to read with children about starting school - Booklists from the Library Service.
- Free school meals - All children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 are eligible for free school meals. It is helpful if parents of eligible children apply, as this enables the school to access Pupil Premium funding, which will support their child.
For some children, additional planning will be needed to ensure they have a positive transition.
If you are working with a child with identified SEND, emerging needs, multi-agency involvement or any other vulnerability, the school's universal transition offer may not meet their needs. To ensure the appropriate level of information is shared and planning put in place for a smooth transition, see the information and planning guidance for a supported transition.
For children and families with social care involvement who have support from Early Help, or for whom you have safeguarding concerns, visit our safeguarding pages. The guidance within this section will ensure that you are sharing and receiving appropriate levels of information in the right way, at the right time, to fulfil statutory safeguarding responsibilities.