Transition Time

It’s transition time, at St Joseph’s and, as a nurturing school, we know that transitions are vital for pupil wellbeing.

Throughout the year we use a variety of strategies and interventions to encourage and support positive transitions. For example, some children struggle with transition from home to school - for these children 20 minutes in Crumpet Club, each morning, results in a much happier day in school. Others may struggle with transition from work to play (or vice-versa) - for these a key adult, by their side, with a carefully chosen word or two, can provide the safety and support they need.

Above are just a couple of examples of ‘everyday transitions’ but, at this time of year, we start to focus on the bigger transitions - those from one classroom (and teacher) to another. (For some, there is the even bigger leap into a new school.) So, this week, many children spent some time in their next class, with their new teachers. (The rest will get this opportunity next week) Also, Year 6 pupils spent most of the week up at their new high schools and came back smiling, so things must have been OK.

As part of our carefully planned transition, teachers will also be spending time observing children learning in their current class. There will also be ‘handover meetings’ in which each child is discussed in detail by the current and next class teacher. We will be preparing pupil and staff profiles so everyone can get to know one another. Early in Autumn Term, we will be holding parent/carer evenings so staff and parent/carers can get to know one another too. But why wait? Now you know who your child’s teacher is next year, why not say hello when you see them at the gate?

As we said to the children, this week, don’t hold on to worries or questions over the summer holidays - ask now. Our aim is that Monday 5th September is a day to look forward to - for child, parent/carer and teacher.

If we get transition right, the rest will follow.