Transition Policy
I recognise how important it is to have a smooth transition process for both child and parent. I want to create a smooth process for when your child starts childcare and when your child leaves my setting.
I will ensure that:
- Children and parents/carers are actively involved in the process of transition in and out of my setting and their perceptions about transition are explored and valued.
- Positive, honest and respectful relationships are built with parents, relevant information is transferred to nursery/school provision to ensure continuity in each child’s learning, development and well-being.
The transition between home and my setting
I endeavour to be sensitive to the needs of children and parents/carers when they first start to attend my setting. I understand that all children settle differently in their own time, I aim to accommodate the differing needs of individual children and their families. If your child has additional learning needs we can discuss how best to proceed with transition in order to make it as stress free and comfortable for you and your child, working together through the process.
To facilitate the transition process:
- we will have settling in sessions, the time and scale of these vary according to individual needs. Due to COVID 19 these sessions are slightly different in order to adhere to guidelines and procedures highlighted by Welsh Government. These changes will be discussed in advance and may involve outdoor settling in sessions with parents and virtual tours, sessions, meetings etc.
- Parents/carers will be provided with the policies and procedures of the setting prior to the child attending.
- Parents/carers of children under the age of two years are provided with verbal and written feedback on how the child has eaten, slept, used the toilet and general mood/behaviour.
- For children over the age of two years, in ensure verbal feedback is provided at the end of the child’s session.
- I encourage the use of favourite toys or comforters from home until such time as the child has developed confidence and security in their new surroundings.
- I will make special arrangements to support those children with additional needs for example, for children who speak English as an additional language, or who have learning difficulties, by using words in the child’s home language and obtaining support from external agencies where appropriate/required.
The transition from one provider to another during the working week
When a child attends more than one setting, after obtaining written permission from the child’s parent/carer, I will make contact with the other setting in order to share information to provide the best outcomes for the child.
The transition to nursery/primary school
I recognise that starting school can be a worrying time for children and their parents/carers, and the more that can be done to ease this transition, the more positive an experience it will be for all involved.
Children will already be familiar with the nursery/school as a result of dropping and collecting other children. As the time approaches we will talk more about the school, uniforms, lunches, teachers etc. Living next to the school we will go out when the children are on break times and watch them playing in the playground. We will introduce ourselves to the teachers. We will talk to the children in my setting already attending school and role play with them.
Relevant paperwork and documents will be transitioned with the child, including ALN files and any Safeguarding files.