Transition in school
It is important to recognise that anxiety linked to transition is a normal reaction and one that children and parents experience every year. Whilst transition may be different this year, the important aims and principles of transition remain. These include helping children settle quickly into their new class and to feel confident, relaxed and capable learners.
In managing transition during Covid 19, we know that pupils and parents will have had significantly different experiences of lockdown, emotionally and socially and in terms of the education and support they will have accessed. Some pupils may require extra support at transition depending on the experiences they have had and their emotional reaction to them.
Your child’s class teacher along with Mrs Jenkins (ALNCO) and Mrs Ciaburri (Family Well-being Coordinator) are always there to support pupils and parents with any worries. You can help your children identify their particular worries, e.g. linked to home work or getting lost and also to reach practical solutions.
Brynmill Staff use effective communication in the lead up to any return to school. This will include contact from the pupil’s new class teacher via Class Dojo, a phone call or Teams call. This will enable the sharing of information on both sides, and offer parents an opportunity to share information that may impact on the pupil’s return to school (for example, have they experienced bereavement and loss as a result of Covid 19, have there been any changes within the family, are parents key workers etc.).
If social distancing and safety measures remain in place at the point of the return to school, please see the page on our website on coming to school. Staff are always at the end of a phone, Class Dojo or are willing to undertake Teams video calls.
In the transition to next year, staff will also share targets and information to make up for lost experiences or learning as a result of school closure.
Parents of Pupils Leaving Year 6
Traditionally we say goodbye using a Leavers Assembly and this will take place using a recording if restrictions remain in place. retrospectively.
We have effective arrangements in place to support transition to local Secondary Schools (usually Bishop Gore and Olchfa). This is shared as academic attainment and progress, ALN, friendship and any other helpful information to support this important change. There are also scheduled Transition days on site at their new school – if restrictions prevent this, then online / live sessions will offered instead. Any pupils or parents who feel they need additional support, please contact the office or class teacher.
All of the above points will be offered at a further enhanced level for those children with identified needs and known vulnerabilities.