Planning Effective Transitions in the Early Years - Moving in and Moving on
Planning Effective Transitions in the Early Years - Moving in and Moving on
- Starting at a new preschool setting or school is a significant milestone in a child’s life, one filled with excitement, curiosity, and often a degree of apprehension for both the child and the parents/carers.
- As practitioners, we should endeavour to make these transitions as smooth and positive as possible.
- The experiences children have as they enter settings/schools can shape their attitudes toward learning and influence their academic and social development.
- Children who are supported through early transitions learn positive ways of coping with change. As they grow, they are more likely to cope with change whenever it may occur.
- We want the transition to be an exciting, comfortable time for all the children, well supported by a thoughtful approach.
- Well planned transitions will benefit the child, the setting and the parents and can have a long-lasting impact.
The following key factors in the transition process have been highlighted:
- Being prepared – start the process early!
- Understanding the unique child
- Working closely with families
- Building relationships
- Effective information sharing and effective use of shared information
- Ensuring that transition arrangements are flexible
Count down going to school!
How can the Early Years Service Support with transitions:
- Early years SEND Consultations
- Training – Moving in and Moving on
- Training – Making Sense of Autism for Reception Classes
- Bespoke Training – Autism Education Trust Transition module – for settings/groups of settings (speak to your key contact to arrange)
- Where appropriate, Early Years SEND Advisors may be involved in supporting enhanced transitions
- Transition articles from Sector Updates
Enhanced Transition Support from The Early Years SEN Team, may include those children:
- with identified SEND who have not been in a setting
- identified by a health professional through the Early Years Notification
- who have received support from Portage
- who have had significant support from an Early Years SEND Advisor in their preschool setting