Starting Primary 1

One of the major transitions our children experience is from their pre-school provider to Primary 1.

This page aims to provide an insight to all stakeholders into what this transition process looks like at Tayport PS.

When will my child start school?

Generally, children in Scotland start school when they are aged between 4½ and 5½ years old. When they are eligible to start school depends on when their fifth birthday is.

Please have a look at Fife’s School Admissions Policy for more information. It is available by clicking on this link: Apply for a school place | Fife Council

 

How will my child’s transition to school be supported?

We work closely with Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings and other pre-school providers to ensure that information about your child’s learning and achievements are passed on. ELC staff will also share other information that will help your child’s teacher support their learning. This might include for example, information about their interests and friendship groups. This is all done to help make your child’s transition to school as smooth as possible.

In March, a member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) will make initial contact with all pre-school providers to share information about the planned transition program and arrange for a suitable time to visit the children, and key workers, in their current setting.  Your child will then be offered the opportunity to attend a series of transition visits, which will be supported by the ELC, parents/carers and school staff.

Please see the link at the bottom of this page for specific information relating to P1 transition for session 2025/2026

How can I help?

To help your child have a smooth transition you can:

• listen and talk with your child about this change in their life – what are they looking forward to and whether they have any questions or worries;
• involve your child in helping choose the things they will need for school, for example their uniform, lunchbox and schoolbag;
• talk to your child’s school if you have questions or concerns;
• support school staff in getting to know your child, let them know about interests and health issues;
• keep in touch with the school about anything that may affect your child’s learning;
• find out how the school will communicate with you.

Education Scotland: Starting school | Transitions | My child | Parentzone Scotland | Parentzone Scotland [online]

P1 Transition for session 2025/2026

Letter to New P1s Aug 25 [click here to access]