We are proud of the time, energy and effort we give to ensuring children make careful and considered transitions into, within and beyond life at Flax. Our 'CHANGING ME' learning in PSHE in term 6 is just one part of our work in enabling effective transitions for all children. 

We hold on to key principles as referred to in Birth to 5 Matters.

• Transition is a process, not an event.
• High quality transitions recognise the importance of feeling “known”.
• Some children are particularly vulnerable at times of transition.
• Transitions are opportunities for professional dialogue.
• The key people make essential connections.
• Transition includes moving into EYFS, from EYFS to KS1, within the primary phase and beyond.

Transitioning into Reception

Our Reception teacher works in close collaboration with pre-schools, nurseries and families to get to know our Reception children as individuals. Parent meetings, stay and play sessions, nursery and home visits as well as phased transitions support children to settle in successfully. 

Transitioning through the years of primary school

We know moving from one year group to another, for some, can come with a range of emotions. Because of this, we ensure we use transitions as opportunities for professional dialogue as it is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that children feel welcomed, gain a sense of belonging and are helped to settle happily into their next year group. We make sure we gather the perspectives of those who have previously worked with the child so we can plan for their individual needs more effectively.

This work starts as early as possible and helps children to feel known by their next teacher.

 

Transitioning on to secondary school

Moving on to Key Stage 3 is a big milestone that we love to celebrate through their end of year production, a leaver's worship and a Moving Up service at Wells Cathedral. 

We work with secondary schools to facilitate children getting to know their next setting and our Year 6 teacher works hard to share, through professional dialogue, all about our children's learning, talents and character. 

Below are a number of resources that can support conversations at home as your child looks ahead to starting secondary school.

The Small Fish Podcast Illustrated Edition - YouTube
A resource to support young people preparing to leave primary and begin secondary school. As a platform for great conversation, teachers and children's leaders can guide individuals or whole classes through this visual edition of The Small Fish Podcast, bringing to life practical steps and Biblical wisdom.

Moving from primary to secondary activity pack
The Children’s Commissioner has created an activity pack to support children moving from primary to secondary school. It has questions to help children think about things they might want to find out about their new school, things they like doing and want to continue doing, who they
can go to for support and their goals for the future. It also shares some top tips from other children who’ve already moved from primary to secondary school.

Transition to secondary school - Parent Carer booklet                                                                        Supporting children's transition to secondary school is an evidence-based guidance for parents and carers, written with input from clinicians at Anna Freud and teachers. This short guide provides tips about how children preparing for, or going through, the transition to secondary school can best be supported by their parents and carers. It includes guidance which explains why the transition can be difficult for some children, and practical advice such as talking and connecting with the new school, as well as suggested resources that children and parents and carers may find useful.

Moving schools | Childline
Childline, run by the NSPCC, has a dedicated webpage to supporting children when moving schools. It talks through planning how you’ll get there, preparing what you’ll need and making new friends as well as how to keep in touch with old friends.