Transition into Primary school
We work to support your child/ren in their transition from Otley Street and into their new primary schools. We realise that this can be a very stressful time for both parents and children, particularly if this is a new experience for parents too! Below are some of the things that we do to help:
Develop their basic independence skills.
Can they :-
All these skills will build their confidence in themselves and help them cope during their first weeks in school. It is certainly worth considering the fastening on coats, shoes; boots etc. Make them as simple for your child as possible. Your child’s teachers will be very grateful too as they settle-in up to 30 four year olds!
Find out as much as you can beforehand about the school that you have chosen and how they would like you to prepare your child for admission.
All schools will have some form of prospectus information and a website – use them In addition they will offer a New Parents Evening where you will have the opportunity to meet with the staff and discuss the settling-in process, find out about the school uniform etc. Do try to attend.
They will also offer a series of visit sessions in the summer term before your child starts formally attending – usually in June/July. This gives your child an opportunity to get to know staff and become familiar with the spaces and routines. Many schools will also offer a slightly staggered start pattern in September so that children can get used to school within a smaller group, possibly attending only half-days for the first week to accommodate this.
Just because your child has been to nursery/playgroup before does not mean that they will necessarily find it easy to start somewhere else.
Think about any occasion where you as an adult have started a new job or joined a new social group – it is no easier for a child, in fact they may not actually understand what is meant by “going to big school”!
You can help by:-
With thought and sensitive preparation this should be the start of a positive 7 year relationship between home and school. You are the most significant people in your child’s life and you know them best. If you can work together closely with your child’s teachers you can achieve the best outcomes for your child, so get involved. Ask how you can support their learning in school at home. Find out if there’s a PTA or Friends of the school and join it if you have time. Good luck!