EYFS Transition

At St Michael’s, we recognise that starting school and moving into a new class are important milestones for children and families. We want every child to feel happy, safe, secure and confident as they begin the next stage of their learning journey.

Our transition arrangements are carefully planned so that children can become familiar with new adults, new environments and new routines. We work closely with parents and carers so that children are well supported as they move into Nursery, into Reception and into Year 1.

Starting Nursery

Starting Nursery is an exciting first step in your child’s school journey. We want children to feel settled, confident and ready to explore their new environment.

To support children starting Nursery, we provide opportunities such as home visits, stay and play sessions, a parent induction meeting, transition information, a parent handbook and a staggered start. These help children and families get to know our staff, routines and Nursery environment.

We also support families with toileting and independence before children start Nursery. Children should be working towards toileting independence, and we work with families to offer advice and support where this is needed.

For additional guidance about toileting, including support for children with additional needs, families may find the ERIC website helpful: https://eric.org.uk/children-with-additional-needs/help-with-toileting/

Starting Reception

Starting Reception is an exciting milestone for children and families. We understand that some children may feel excited, while others may feel a little nervous. This is completely normal.

Our Reception transition is designed to help children feel familiar with the adults, classrooms and routines before they start school. For children moving up from our Nursery, Nursery and Reception staff share key information so that each child’s strengths, interests, needs and next steps are understood.

To support children starting Reception, we provide stay and play sessions, a parent induction meeting, transition information, a parent handbook, a staggered start and home visits for children who are new to St Michael’s.

Families can also help children get ready for Reception by encouraging independence, practising routines, sharing books, talking positively about school and helping children use words to express how they feel. The documents below provide practical ideas to support your child at home.

Moving from Reception to Year 1

Moving from Reception into Year 1 is another important transition. We make sure this is carefully planned so that children continue to feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

Reception and Year 1 staff share key information about each child’s learning, development, strengths, needs and successful support strategies. Year 1 staff spend time with the children in Reception, and children also take part in transition activities so they can become familiar with their new classroom and teacher.

In the autumn term, Year 1 staff build on effective EYFS practice through familiar routines, practical learning and opportunities for children to apply their learning actively. As children become ready, the balance gradually shifts towards more formal learning. This helps children continue to flourish while maintaining high expectations.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Every child develops at their own pace. Your child does not need to be able to do everything straight away, but practising small everyday skills at home can help them feel more confident and independent.

Please see the documents below for further guidance and practical ideas to support your child with starting school and moving through the Early Years.

If you have any questions or worries about transition, please speak to your child’s class teacher or teaching assistant. We are always happy to help.