When we talk about transitioning to school, the word ‘transition’ refers to the change a child encounters moving from one place to another. As children develop from birth throughout childhood, they move from one learning environment to another. Often these transitions involve a process of change that requires them to adapt their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to meet new expectations. By the time a child reaches school age they may have already experienced several transition periods, including transitions from:

• home to nursery
• one nursery group to another – including moving room to room
• one provider to another during the working week
• nursery to school

Transition is like a journey and takes time, preparation, and planning. Adults can help a child’s journey into new territory by supporting them before, during and after the transition occurs. Staff work together with parents, carers and teachers, sharing information they have about the child and what support he or she may need. We put together a Transition Guide, covering the importance of this milestone and how The Old Station Nursery Group supports this.

Our blog ‘Readiness for every stage of learning’ details a number of skills, aptitudes and attitudes which aim to ensure children are not only ‘school-ready’ but have a healthy and positive approach to life-long learning: Resilience, Endeavour, Attitude, Desire, Individuality, Nurture, Excitement, Self-Esteem and Specialness.

These are all skills and aptitudes that we have been developing with your child since they started at nursery with us and which you have been further building on at home, without even realising it; preparing them for every stage of learning – from room to room within the nursery and, when the time comes, from nursery to school.

At The Old Station Nursery Group, we build on ‘Readiness’ skills,  to ensure that all children are not only ready but also excited and confident, about their transition to ‘big school’.  We understand, however, that, naturally, many of our parents are nervous about their children starting school in September. We have, therefore, put together some top tips for some small things which you can do at home, to help further prepare your child for the move to school.