Information for Parents and Carers

At Madginford Primary School, we understand that changes and transitions can feel exciting for some children and challenging for others.

Moving to a new class, meeting a new teacher, changing routines or preparing for secondary school can create uncertainty, particularly for children with SEND.

We plan transitions carefully and work with children and families to help make changes feel as positive, predictable and manageable as possible.

What is transition?

Transition can mean any change from one situation to another.

This might include:

• Starting school or joining Madginford Primary
• Moving to a new class or year group
• Having a new teacher or support adult
• Changes to routines or the school environment
• Moving between activities during the school day
• Returning to school after a long break
• Moving from primary to secondary school

Some children may need additional preparation and support to manage these changes.

How do we support children?

We get to know what helps each child feel confident and prepared.

Depending on their individual needs, this may include:

• Talking about the changes in advance
• Visiting a new classroom or meeting a new teacher
• Using photographs, visual timetables or social stories
• Providing clear and consistent information
• Introducing new routines gradually
• Sharing important information with the adults who will support your child
• Providing additional opportunities to become familiar with new environments
• Liaising with the next school or setting where appropriate

Preparing for a new class

Before children move to their next class, we work together to help them become familiar with what to expect.

This may include opportunities to:

• Meet their new teacher
• Visit their new classroom
• Find out about changes to routines
• Ask questions
• Talk about feelings and worries
• Become familiar with new expectations

We recognise that every child will respond differently, so transition support is adapted to individual needs.

Moving to secondary school

Moving from primary to secondary school is a significant transition.

For children who need additional support, we work closely with families and the receiving secondary school to help ensure important information is shared.

Where appropriate, transition planning may include:

• Additional visits to the secondary school
• Meetings between staff
• Sharing information about your child's strengths and needs
• Discussing successful strategies and support
• Helping your child become familiar with the new environment
• Supporting your child to develop confidence and independence

We encourage parents and carers to be involved in transition planning and to share anything they feel will help their child make a successful move.

How can parents help?

There are many simple things you can do at home to help your child prepare for change.

Talk about the change

Give your child opportunities to talk about what they are looking forward to and anything they are worried about.

Keep information positive and realistic

Talk about what will stay the same as well as what will be different.

Practise new routines

Where possible, practise aspects of the new routine before the change takes place.

Visit new places

If appropriate, visit the new school, classroom or route so that it becomes more familiar.

Use visual information

Photographs, calendars, lists and visual timetables can help some children understand what is going to happen.

Allow time

Some children need longer than others to adjust to change. Give your child time, reassurance and opportunities to ask questions.

Working together

Good communication between home and school is particularly important during periods of transition.

If you feel your child may need additional support with a transition, please speak to their class teacher or Mrs Farrell, our SENCo. We can work together to identify strategies that will help your child feel prepared and confident.

SENCo: Mrs Farrell
Email: office@mps.kent.sch.uk

Remember

A successful transition is not about every child responding to change in the same way. It is about understanding what each child needs to feel safe, prepared and ready for their next step.

At Madginford Primary School, we want every child to approach change with confidence and to feel supported throughout their journey.