We know that the transition from Pre-School to Reception is a big step for children, but we have great transition processes in place to help children settle quickly into school and feel confident and happy.

Home Visits

When children start in Pre-School, our friendly Pre-School staff do some home visits so that they can see the new children starting with them, in a comfortable, familiar environment.  The staff get to know the child's interests, see them play and start to build a rapport early on. When those children move up to Reception, Pre-School staff complete a thorough handover with Reception staff so children's strengths and interests are understood early on.

For any new children starting in Reception (not currently part of our Pre-school cohort), the Reception staff will perform the home visit. This visit is crucial as the starting point for building a relationship with the families. It’s a time to exchange information and a further opportunity to gain a better understanding of the children.  This way, all children starting in Reception have received a home visit at some point and had the opportunity, along with their parents and carers, to receive that dedicated 1:1 time with our dedicated staff.

Play sessions in school

Both Pre-School and Reception organise play sessions so that the children can explore their new class, spend time with the staff and the other children in the class and being to grow in confidence. Pre-School children will spend some afternoons in Reception in the summer term with their Reception teacher.  Children not currently at our pre-school will also be invited in for some play sessions in their Reception class with their new teacher. Helpful information will be sent home such as photos of staff and the classroom to help aid further conversations at home and enthuse and excite the children about starting.

Settling in

By the time children arrive for their first day at school, we already have a relationship with them and their families. The children are already familiar with the school. They will be shown where to keep their coats, bags, drinks bottles etc and quickly become familiar with routines. 

Parent Orientation Meetings

In the Summer Term, parents and carers are invited in to go through all of the information for starting in Reception. We know it can be overwhelming but our dedicated staff will be on hand after the meeting to answer any questions you may have. We will also give parents a tour of the setting and the children's new classroom so that you are also familiar with your child's learning environment.