We recognise that starting in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a significant milestone for both children and their families. We are committed to ensuring that this transition is smooth, supportive, and tailored to individual needs. We achieve this through:

• Strong partnerships with parents and carers
  • Sharing information prior to starting (e.g. welcome packs for children and adults, meetings, or questionnaires)
  • Offering opportunities for parents to discuss their child’s needs, interests, and routines
  • Maintaining open communication channels from the outset
• Links with previous settings
  • Gathering information from nurseries, childminders, or pre-schools
  • Using transition reports to understand each child’s development and learning needs
  • Where possible, communicating directly with previous practitioners
• Transition visits and settling-in sessions
  • Inviting children and parents/ carers to visit the setting before their start date, including Stay and Play events throughout the summer term
  • Providing opportunities to explore the environment and meet staff, including at our 'New Parent Evening'
  • Gradually increasing time in the setting where appropriate
• Familiarisation with the environment
  • Creating a welcoming, safe, and engaging indoor and outdoor learning environment
  • Using visual supports, labels, and consistent routines to build confidence
  • Encouraging independence through accessible resources
• Focus on emotional wellbeing
  • Key person approach
  • Recognising that all children settle at different rates
  • Providing comfort, reassurance, and consistency
  • Supporting children in developing a sense of belonging
• Use of routines and structure
  • Establishing clear daily routines to provide predictability
  • Helping children understand expectations through modelling and repetition
• Inclusive and individualised support
  • Making reasonable adjustments where needed
  • Adapting provision to meet individual needs
  • Working with external professionals if appropriate
  • Ensuring all children feel valued and included

We have provided some downloadable documents below (including some translated versions) and website links with further advice and practical suggestions to support your child’s start to school, including guidance on toileting, toothbrushing, preventing sickness, and smooth transitions into EYFS.

• CBeebies Parenting - Starting School
• Preparing for School - Best Start in Life
• BBC Bitesize - Starting Primary School