Transitions Conclusion

In their school career the child will encounter a number of transition points. At each point there is scope for work both at a planning and administrative level and at the level of direct work with the child and his or her family that will help to make this a positive experience.

It is through the adoption of a coordinated, planned approach to transition that the child will be enabled to see progression to the next stage of their education as an opportunity to extend both their learning and their personal, social and emotional development.

Key issues

It is anticipated that you will now:

■ have knowledge of the main transition points within children’ school careers;

■ understand how important it is for transitions to be planned for and supported;

■ have an understanding of general issues related to all transitions and specific issues related to some transition points;

■ have knowledge of some general strategies and approaches that can be used to support pupils of different ages at transition points;

■ understand that in supporting transitions attention needs to be given to practical and pastoral aspects of transfer and to progression in learning and continuity in the curriculum.