Change
Starting a new school year brings lots of exciting opportunities, but change can also feel challenging for some children. It is perfectly normal to feel worried, nervous or unsure when faced with something new. As children grow, learning to manage change helps them build resilience, confidence and independence. When talking about September, we encourage parents to focus on the many positive aspects of the new school year, while also reminding children of all the things that will stay the same, such as familiar friends, routines and trusted adults. It can also be helpful to talk about how they have already been prepared for the changes ahead through activities such as visiting their new classroom, meeting their new teacher and spending time in their new building. By recognising both the excitement and the challenges of change, we can work together to help every child feel ready, confident and positive about the year ahead.
Transition Booklets
Our transition booklets have been created to help children and parents focus on the positive changes that September will bring. They provide helpful information about new routines and expectations, while also helping children become familiar with their new environment before the school year begins. The booklets include photographs of key staff members that children will be working with, as well as other adults who parents may wish to recognise. We hope these resources will help children feel reassured, confident and excited about their next steps.
Early Years – The Meadows
The Buttercups – Morning Session
The Buttercups – Afternoon Session
The Tulips – Afternoon Session
The Sunflowers – Reception – Class 1
The Sunflowers – Reception – Class 2
KS1/KS2
Social Stories
We have also created a range of social stories to help children understand and embrace change, while supporting them to learn new routines and expectations. These can be particularly helpful for children who feel anxious about a specific aspect of transition or who find changes to familiar routines challenging. By breaking changes down into simple, reassuring steps, social stories can help children feel more prepared, confident and positive about the move into their new year group.
