13. How will our school prepare and support your child when joining our school and when transferring to a new school?

There are many instances of transition in a child’s school life: entering the school, moving from one year to the next, moving to another school and finally moving from primary to secondary. We will gather as much information as possible to help us prepare for your child starting our school.

If your child is joining us in Reception at the beginning of the year, we offer:

• transition meetings with pre-school settings and year one pupils when moving in to Key Stage One
• staff meet pupils and parents on home visits
• ‘move-up’ days 
• relevant staff visits to early year settings

If your child is joining us in the middle of a school year, we will:

• meet with you and the child prior to their start date
• ‘move up’ days before pupil/s start school
• Introduce your child to key staff members and give them an individual tour. Set them up with a buddy in class.
• Communicate with previous school so a clear understanding of your child is known by all staff.
• Meet with you whenever necessary to ensure that your child is settled.

Transition from one year to the next is carefully planned, your child will have a taster session with their new class teacher called ‘Move-up Day’, and teachers will communicate to ensure that a smooth transition is in place.

We have a very good relationship with the secondary schools in the area and we share all information with them about your child so they are able to plan and deliver the needed support. As part of the transition process, pupils will visit their new school. Additional visits can be arranged if needed. Our secondary colleagues will be invited to any relevant review meetings with you so the transition is a smooth event for your child. Within school, our teachers deliver transition lessons to prepare children for the move onto secondary school.