Transitions

The Stoke on Trent Early Years Transition (into school) Project

Parents and carers have an important part to play in ensuring that the Nursery Practitioners in school know all about your child. Stoke on Trent Local Authority is developing a booklet for parents and carers to complete with their child. The booklet is called ‘This book is about me’ and is one way of providing information that will be useful when your child starts school.

It is based on the following principles:

• Information about a child’s family, friends, culture and some recent experience enables Nursery Practitioners to talk with the child about important people and places.
• Information about a child’s favourite things can help Nursery Practitioners to provide activities that interest and motivate them.
• Knowing a child’s fears or worries can help Nursery Practitioners to avoid situations that children are not yet ready for.
• Knowing what the child can do for himself or herself and also what s/he needs help with is important if children are to succeed with the next stage of their learning

Some information is vital to a child’s health and well-being. Parents and carers should ensure that every opportunity is taken to pass on details of any medical conditions and special needs.

The booklet includes extracts from the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage which is the first part of the National Curriculum.

For more information about support for children transferring from an early years setting into school, please contact Susan King, Early Years Consultant on 01782 233837.