Transition at St Martin’s Primary

When we think of school transition, we often think of the major milestones such as starting Reception and moving to High School; however, at St Martin’s we believe that moving from any year group to the next is significant for all of our learners. Every September brings new expectations, higher academic demands, different classroom environments, and new peer dynamics.

We know that thoughtful, consistent year-on-year transition is essential for preserving emotional wellbeing and maintaining academic progress across a child's entire primary journey. We carefully consider children’s emotional wellbeing, possible anxiety and academic needs through a system of robust transition.

At St Martin’s we have taken the view that children and adults need time together to understand each other’s needs and expectations. In addition to arrangements for pre-schoolers and for children moving on to high schools, we guarantee multiple opportunities for children to get to know their new teachers. These are detailed below.

Pre-school into Reception

At St Martin’s we ensure five transition sessions per child before they come to our school. Children and parents/carers come in for three meetings in the late spring; the children mix with other St Martin’s-bound children while parents/carers attend information sessions with the headteacher, EYFS lead and other relevant professionals such as the school nurse and speech and language therapists. In June, parents and children are then invited to two taster sessions where children play with other children who have been placed in their class.

Before the children come into Reception in September, our Early Years Team visit all of the children in their nurseries and pre-schools. This is done deliberately to see children in the pre-school environment and to ensure that the school is aware of additional needs before children begin their time at St. Martins.

In September, children start school according to their date of birth. Those children who are youngest start first, followed by spring born children the following day in addition to those from the day before. On the third day of Reception, children who are born in the autumn come in alongside summer and spring-born children. Parents and carers meet with staff to ensure that all information about their child is clearly communicated and concerns about starting school are addressed. From the word go, adults in school, including our additional needs co-ordinator (ALNCo) know which children require a little more support. 

From Reception to Year 1

We realise that for some children moving from a play-based setting to a more formal classroom environment can be a challenge. We, therefore, begin an early transition from Reception to Year 1 involving nine Friday sessions in Year 1 where they meet staff and explore their Key Stage One environment. Children hear stories, interact with the continuous provision in Key Stage One and notice how different the classrooms are. Reception children also have four in-class moving up sessions with their new teachers. Communication between Reception teachers and the Year 1 staff is strong. Information about children’s attainment according to the Bailiwick Foundation Framework is shared so that any gaps in formative learning are quickly addressed in their new classes. 

Years 2 to 5

School is also mindful that children over six years old also need to feel the sense of belonging when moving to a new year group. With this in mind, the school organises four taster sessions with children’s new class and teacher after May Half Term. Each session is designed to give children the opportunity to find out more about the following year group and it also gives them the chance to ask questions and allay any concerns. Again, members of staff pass up vital information such as additional needs, friendships, levels of confidence and how best to support a smooth transition. Classes are mixed every year. Children are also consulted about their choice of friends to move up with; school guarantees at least one of these friends in a child’s new class to ease the transition.

From Primary to High School

In Year 6, children experience their receiving school at least three times in a formal way. In addition to parent/carer and child information evenings, children visit their new schools twice for moving up days. Members of staff from the high schools also come in to talk to the children about transition and are there to answer any questions the children might have. We recognise that the move to secondary education is a significant one for our pupils. As such, enhanced transition is offered to children with additional needs and to those who are particularly anxious. These smaller group sessions are arranged between the high school and St Martin’s, occurring during school time. 

Again, St Martin’s staff share information and pass on concerns from parents and carers whilst also carefully considering friendships so that every child has someone familiar in their tutor groups. Recently, St Martin’s and Les Beaucamps High School have arranged for Year 6 children to have swimming lessons at Les Beaucamps, another example of the support we give our children in becoming more familiar with their possible secondary setting.

Transition is not an isolated event in July; it is a continuous mindset. By ensuring every year-to-year step is supported with care, we build a resilient, confident school community where every child is set up to thrive from day one.