Well-structured transition processes throughout the year facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between different settings and stages.
“Seamless transitions between stages are essential in ensuring progress in learning is sustained” (Education Scotland, 2020)
Nursery to Primary 1 – What does this look like across Fife?
Gradual transitions, such as visiting new classroom/staff beforehand, meeting peers and experiencing new environments. Engaging parents to prepare children – in examples seen from Fife schools linked below.
Schools might offer transition days, short visits either supported by parents or facilitated by nursery.
These experiences allow practitioners and children to explore each other’s environments, share insights about the Early Level and the children, and collaborate on ‘shared’ activities to strengthen relationships.
Links To Home and Family
A key consideration should be the information shared with learners and their families, in advance of, and during the transition process.
Some examples of how this is communicated virtually:
East Wemyss Dedicated Transition Page
East Wemyss’ Glow page, dedicated to Nursery to P1 transition, has a suite of SWAYS and information to support families and learners with starting school including;
- Staff and school information/images
- Literacy and Numeracy learning in P1
- Pre-writing skill building information
As learners move from Nursery to Primary 1, this type of information can support families’ understanding of the classroom environment, learning experiences. Using visuals, photographs and descriptions of the new setting and staff can help ease anxiety for our young learners (and their family!)
Video/Virtual Tours
Virtual tours can support children transitioning to nursery or school by helping them become familiar with new settings and connecting to past experiences. Key features of an effective virtual tour include:
- Filmed from a child’s perspective with accessible, child-friendly commentary.
- Includes time for thinking and reflection while exploring spaces such as:
- Playrooms and classrooms.
- Outdoor areas.
- Toilets and cloakrooms.
- Provides an accurate representation of the environment, showcasing:
- Typical resources and play opportunities.
- Smiling and welcoming practitioners to create familiarity.
- Encourages families and key workers to watch together and discuss the tour to support the child’s adjustment.
There are some great videos from staff at this ThingLink from Leuchars Primary School, welcoming their new learners – with a tour and comments from their current primary 1 cohort.
A great way to involve learners in the school processes, and to provide relatable learner-to-learner experiences and examples.
Other Examples:
Roseburn Primary School also provides a dedicated transition page with photographs and information about the school/primary 1 experience. To support ELC learners in the weeks leading up to Primary 1, there is a grid highlighting some key “ready for school” skills:
