Moving to a new school or the next stage of education is an exciting milestone, but we understand that change can sometimes feel a little daunting too.
At Valley Primary Academy, we work closely with children, families, early years settings and secondary schools to make these important transitions as positive and successful as possible.
The two main transition points for our pupils are starting Reception and moving from Year 6 to secondary school.
Starting Reception
We want every child to have a happy and confident start to life at Valley.
Before children begin Reception, families are invited to take part in our transition arrangements, which include opportunities to meet the Reception team, spend time in the classroom and become familiar with the school environment. We will provide families with full details of these arrangements before their child is due to start.
We recognise that every child is different. Where a child may benefit from additional transition support, particularly children with SEND or other identified needs, we will work with their family and current early years setting to consider what would be helpful.
Additional support may include:
- extra visits to the school or Reception classroom;
- photographs, visual resources or social stories to use at home;
- individual transition meetings with parents/carers and the child’s current setting;
- sharing relevant information between professionals to ensure staff understand the child’s needs before they start; and
- involvement from appropriate external professionals or services where required.
Our aim is for children to arrive at Valley feeling welcomed, secure and excited about starting school.
Helping Your Child Get Ready for School
There are lots of simple things families can do at home to help children prepare for Reception, from encouraging independence with dressing and toileting to talking positively about school and establishing good routines.
These resources may be helpful:
Norfolk County Council – Get your child ready for starting school
Norfolk County Council – Looking Forward to School
Moving on to Secondary School
Leaving primary school and starting secondary school is another important milestone.
Throughout Year 6, and particularly during the summer term, we support pupils to prepare for the changes ahead. Children take part in transition activities and will usually have opportunities to visit their new secondary school as part of that school’s transition programme.
Our Year 6 team also works with receiving secondary schools to help ensure that appropriate information is shared and pupils are supported as they move into Year 7.
Some children may benefit from additional transition support. Depending on the individual child’s needs and the arrangements offered by their secondary school, this could include:
- additional or small-group visits;
- opportunities to meet SEND or pastoral staff from their new school;
- individual or small-group transition activities;
- targeted work to explore routines, expectations and worries about secondary school; and
- support from appropriate external services where available.
We encourage families to speak to us if they have any concerns about their child’s move to secondary school.
Supporting Your Child with the Move to Secondary School
Families can also find useful information and advice through:
FYI – For your information (Starting High School)
‘Find Your Feet’ webinar for parents/carers
Every Child is Different
For most children, our usual transition arrangements provide everything they need to make a successful start. Additional transition arrangements are considered according to individual need and will be discussed with families where appropriate.
If you have any questions or feel that your child may need additional support with transition, please contact the school office and we will be happy to help.