Its that time of year again when we begin to start thinking about our pre-schoolers moving on to start their primary school adventures.
As a service it is our aim to make the transition from our EYC to school as smooth as possible, supporting them (and you) to be emotionally ready for the move.
We begin to focus on primary transition for our pre-school children around April. Children who are going to Colquhoun Park will already be familiar with the school building, passed the early years centre as we use the school gym hall/cafeteria twice weekly. We, from time to time will also use the school pitches and the primary 1 play space at the front of the building. During the Spring break keyworkers will take all pre-school children down into the primary 1 classrooms while the school is empty to give children the opportunity to familiarise them with the classroom setting. This is a beneficial process even if your child will not be attending Colquhoun Park as it allows them to explore another environment, giving them the opportunity to discuss, play, and process what school life may be like, This same process and opportunity is given to the children during the Summer break.
The Primary 1 teacher at Colquhoun Park and the classroom support will visit the EYC to introduce themselves to the children.
Social stories are often used by staff and focus is very much centred around the children’s emotional well-being during this time. These are all done generically and with class groups.
If your child is not due to attend Colquhoun Park Primary, the transition for their designated primary school will be arranged via correspondence directly from them. Whilst attending Colquhoun Park EYC your child will be exposed to, and offered the same opportunities to discuss and explore the primary school environment and where possible images of their new school environment will also be used to support their transition into Primary 1.
If you have concerns surrounding your child’s transition please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our team.
