Transition
Transition points are important to children because there are new challenges and new expectations. Sometimes some children, whilst feeling excited about the possibilities that open up, can also feel a little daunted.
Transition to School
The first big transition they will make is from nursery to Reception. Prior to starting, children will be offered 3 settling in sessions where they can get to know their new classroom and their new teachers. When they start school they typically settle very quickly, and we have them in for half days (either mornings or afternoons), with 15 children attending each session. This is to maximise the chances of having time – with them knowing that someone familiar will be picking them up shortly, and allowing them time to process all the new things they’ll be getting used to.
In the second week, our experience shows us that they are typically all ready for full days, including lunchtime. More information will be given to you about all of this at a ‘New Parents induction meeting’ in May or June.
Transition to Year 1 is usually very smooth and our outside area and continuation of the possibility to ‘explore’, early in Year 1, means much is familiar! The children will also have had many chances to meet their new teacher prior to them starting
Transition to KS2
Transition to the ‘juniors’. Here is a leaflet which explains transition to KS2. We find that children manage this step with no real trouble, but there are some key differences outlined. (Link to the file on the left)
Transition to Secondary School
We’re always so proud of how the children have grown over their time at Clinton and they are always ready to make the big step to Secondary School, but we good preparation is important so that children are confident to thrive.
Secondary Schools will invited children to open evenings and it’s important to take those opportunities because they show the schools in a good light, and children who attend start to get excited.
Our local Secondary school is, of course, Kenilworth School and we work with them to put in place activities for transition. Staff from there will come and introduce themselves to the children, and often run lessons for them. Long before the end of Year 6 we are invited to various events and activities up at Kenilworth School so that children get to know the building. In addition there will be a ‘move up’ day, when they will attend all day, with their new tutor groups.
We provide Kenilworth School with lots of information about the children so that they know what their attainment levels are. It’s important to us that they build from the great education they will have had at Clinton so there are various processes for this, including meetings with their SEND department.
Kenilworth School are always happy for parents to make contact if they have any concerns about transition, in particular for children with additional needs, and often we have taken groups there for extra visits to give them confidence.