Definition:

Transitioning to school is moving from home or early childhood into the formal school environment. It is more than a single event — it is a period of adjustment that involves children, families, and educators (Dockett, Perry, & Kearney, 2012).

Why it matters:

Successful transitions are linked to children’s long-term confidence and learning outcomes. The Continuity of Learning resource stresses that strong partnerships between families and schools help children feel secure and ready to engage (Department of Education, 2014).

How you can help:

Parents and educators can support transition by preparing children with routines, building independence, and offering opportunities to explore school settings. Arthur et al. (2021) note that transition also involves respecting children’s prior knowledge and experiences, ensuring continuity rather than abrupt change.

Examples:

  • Orientation Visits: Taking children to school for short visits allows them to meet teachers, explore the playground, and become familiar with the environment.
  • School Role-Play at Home: Setting up a pretend classroom with bags, books, and lunchboxes can help children practise routines.

Strategies for Parents & Communities:

 

  • Visit the new school together before the first day to build familiarity.

  • Practise routines at home (packing lunch, wearing uniforms, following a timetable).

  • Read books about starting school and encourage children to role-play “school.”

  • Establish partnerships with educators through open communication.

  • Support independence skills (toileting, managing belongings, asking for help).

 

Resources:

 

  • Continuity of Learning (Department of Education, 2014).

  • Dockett, Perry, & Kearney (2012) – research on family transitions.

  • Programming and Planning in Early Childhood Settings (Arthur et al., 2021) – curriculum links to continuity and transition.

  • Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (2021) – literature review on school transitions.

 

References:

Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2021). Continuity of learning and transitions. In Programming and planning in early childhood settings.

 

Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation. (2021). Literature review: Transition to school.

 

Dockett, S., Perry, B., & Kearney, E. (2012). Family transitions as children start schools. Family Matters.


Department of Education. (2014). Continuity of Learning: A resource to support effective transition to school and school age care.

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