Transition and Induction
A smooth transition from home to pre-school can set the style for all future transitions in their lives.
Transitions are a major time in our lives and have a lasting impact on how we feel about places and people, on our general confidence and the way we behave in new situations, it is so important we get it right for our children. We liaise with the parents/carers/schools to ensure a smooth transition into pre-school, reception class and to develop a good working relationship with them to allow open conversations in the future about their children.
Working closely with the family and other settings that the child attends is essential. We need to ensure continuity and coherence by sharing relevant information with each other. Communication books can be invaluable. This is the beginning of all our observations, assessments and planning with the parent and child at the heart. With the knowledge we have already gained, suitable activities are planned to help them settle. Maybe in a small group of children they already know. Positive relationships among children can also greatly help them through transitions as they provide each other with understanding.
Transition to Pre-school
We help children and parents with the preparation, insight and support, needed to ensure positive perceptions of pre-school helping them to become familiar with our setting and staff, feeling supported and valued.
When parents first apply to pre-school they get an application form with a prospectus. When they come for their induction session they get a comprehensive welcome pack and are encouraged to visit our website for more documentation. They are encouraged to read our policies.
Shortly before the child starts at pre-school an induction visit to pre-school is arranged. We meet parents and listens to any concerns they have and then collect all the information we need; developmental, family back ground and previous experiences, child’s likes and dislikes in order to settle the child smoothly into the setting along with the legal documentation such as address and contact numbers, dietary, religious & medical needs. Settling in procedure for each child can be discussed at this time. We have a settling in policy.
Settling In
Every child is very different. Some children take to pre-school very easily, others find it harder to part from their parent. As such we have no set rules for settling children into the group.
It is our policy to work with the parent on an individual basis to make this experience as easy as possible for each child and their parents.
Some children like to be left only for short periods to begin with while others are happy to stay for the full session. Some children like to bring their favourite cuddly with them for security. Whatever the child’s requirements we will do our best to meet them.
Please liaise with the supervisor to discuss what best suits you and your child
Transition to Reception Class
We have a program of events worked out with the schools involved. We have many reception class activities that we do with the children so that when they move on there are familiar activities going on to boost their confidence.
We have a photo album showing the activities they will be doing in reception class such as changing for games, the class room and lunch hall.
We take the children up to the local reception class in small groups, the reception teacher visits us twice, running activities and story time and joining in all other aspects of the session. The other local reception teachers will also visit at least once if appropriate.
The parents have the opportunity to visit the reception class with their children to familiarise themselves with the future routine.
We complete a learning journey for all the children and an IEP, these are past onto the reception class so they know what stage of development the children are at.
This policy is known, agreed and implemented by all staff.
This policy is known and made available to all parents.
This policy was reviewed April 2011 and April 2015