Transitions of any kind for families with children under five can be problematic, a new baby, moving home, dealing with the loss of a loved one but starting school is definitely seen as a developmental milestone that the majority of four year olds will have to experience.

Early year’s settings and schools are equipped with the knowledge and experience to support children with this transition and here at Grass Roots we place a huge emphasis on ensuring parents are also given the knowledge and also supported throughout this process.

We acknowledge that the process of transitions can start from an early age and when small changes are supported by responsive, knowledgeable adults, children will gradually discover that their world is a safe and predictable place. As strong and competent learners, this will stand them in good stead when faced with the challenge of experiencing the bigger changes that will inevitably come their way.

Good communication between the child’s new school and their current setting or home is essential. The teacher will need to know about your child and their like and dislikes in order to enable their learning. Giving your child the opportunity to visit their new school and meet the new staff and children is a great way for them to become familiar with their environment. Here at Grass Roots we have a picture book for our new starters to have prior to starting at our setting among many other procedures to support the child. They can look through the picture of our environment and staff and discuss these with their parents or carers, giving them the opportunity to become familiar with the new environment and people.

We will be holding a parent workshop at nursery on supporting your child with the transition to school and we will share our ‘Top Tips for Parents and Carers:’

• Encourage independence in your child, this will help their confidence in their own abilities –

• self-dressing – including shoes and coats

• Going to the toilet themselves

• washing hands independently

• feeding themselves (easy to open packets, pre-peel any fruit)

• Build on your child’s listening and concentration skills-

• Take them to the library

• Read with your child, play with your child, role model focusing on an activity and show an interest in their interests.

• Encourage independent learning – don’t take over, let them discover things for themselves.

• Promote failure as a positive experience – just ensure you encourage them to learn from it.

• Make it easier for your child:

• Buy clothing, shoes, coats that your child can put on independently and give them chance to practice – elasticated pants, Velcro shoes, zip coats, work with your child’s strengths.

• Be mindful of PE days (tights are difficult for girls to put on especially when hot)

• Label all personal items you’re sending to school – including packed lunches, bags, hats and gloves.

• Take into consideration that they will be playing outside. Provide them with wellies, waterproofs, sun cream, etc., but check schools policies first!

• Helping your child cope emotionally:

• Attitude - This is a huge transition for your child and a positive outlook and attitude towards school should help them settle well into school routine.

• Be prepared - there may be tears, over excitement, shyness, giddiness, irritability, you name it, each child deals with change differently and while there may be no tears only excitement on the first morning don’t be alarmed if there are tears the next, it is perfectly normal.

• Be prepared for your emotions – keep your emotions in check and try not to let your child see you getting upset. This is a time when they need to be protected from your anxiety.

The transition to school is a big step to face for all the family and it is normal to have mixed emotions. There is a wealth of information and support for parents to access. If you feel like you need support or advice then please do not hesitate to contact your current setting, the school or ourselves if you feel like you need it. This will help to equip your child with the necessary skills to deal with change and challenges they may face in adulthood.