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Leading educational resource supplier TTS offers 8 top tips for managing the transition from an early years setting to school
The transition to school from nursery can be a stressful time for children, not to mention for parents, caregivers and educators.
That’s why leading educational resource supplier TTS asked almost 100 early years professionals their top tips for making this transition smooth, happy and effective!
Multiple short outings to your local school – perhaps even attending their special celebrations, such as Autumn Festival or Diwali – will significantly increase children's confidence.
Another lovely idea is to take children to a local school’s summer sports day(s) and cheer on your past children!
Many of our educators made books for their children after school visits with photos of the new school staff, favourite toys, activities, or specific resources or environments they enjoyed. These can then be taken home and shared with their main caregivers and family.
Our educators agreed the return on investment of the time this takes is invaluable. Developing a good relationship with your local school (including everyone from the admin team to the head) means they are much more likely to accommodate visits from you and your children. You can even try negotiating some Reception teacher visits to your setting!
This is so easy and effective. Include school bags, uniforms to dress up in, photo transition books, and attach school logos to the walls. Some of our educators also hold school uniform dressing-up days nearer the end of term to build confidence and reduce anxiety risk. Head over to TTS-group to explore the role-play range, including the popular Modern Living Kitchen range.
Reading stories about other children going to a new school provides an excellent basis for talking about the move up and the associated feelings that may occur.
There will always be some children who require more bespoke support, and, for those, you could consider making your own social situation story to address that issue (e.g. a best friend going to a different school).
One of our educators said: "Within my setting, we focus on change as a good thing. We look at seasonal changes and other positive examples of how changes can lead to better and/or different opportunities. We involve older children already in school and talk about all the fun things that the children do at school."
Focus on the small tasks that will make a big difference to a child starting reception class: putting on their own shoes; getting dressed without help; toileting; and, crucially, having the confidence to ask an adult for help.
Encourage all children to ‘have a go’ and provide challenging activities.
During the transitional period, some families need a lot of support - including help to understand the many differences between private settings and a maintained school setting. Our educators’ advice is to act early and make time available to work with families. Show them your transition books and encourage them to have lots of discussions with their children.