THE TRANSFER TO PRIMARY SCHOOL

It is very important that the Infant Department and the Nursery liaise closely at all times but it is particularly necessary near the time of transfer to the next stage of education.

A structured and planned transition from different stages within the education system eases the pupils through what can be worrying phases of their lives. A positive transition can promote a positive attitude to education as a continuum for life long learning.

Aims for induction into Nursery and Primary to:

·       encourage all parents to be partners in their child’s education,

·       assist parents in helping their child towards readiness for school,

·       make a happy transition from home to school,

·       support the pre-school child towards independence,

·       ensure that any relevant information from outside agencies is

acknowledged and acted on particularly in regard to children with special needs.

At Miller Academy Three Bears Nursery this contact between the Nursery and School is helped by the close formal and informal links between the Nursery and School staff.  The Teacher attends the School Collective Activity Time sessions, staff meetings and some of the in-service training days and there is regular contact between School and Nursery regarding the progress towards trouble free transfer for the children in the Nursery.

In the summer term children from the Nursery play with children already in the Infant Department and they take their breaks with the older children in the School playground.  The playground is one of the biggest areas of fear encountered by young children on first going to the 'big school'.  Also at this time, and indeed on occasions throughout the year, Nursery pupils will visit classrooms and other areas in the main building.  The Hall and Gym are used regularly to good effect by the Nursery staff and pupils.

Once Infant Department staff know which pupils they will be having in the coming session they visit the Nursery to see those children and to hear of their abilities, problems, etc. from the Nursery staff.

The formal procedure for transfer can then be summarised:

·       Information on enrolment is issued through the local press and school newsletters.

·       Enrolment takes place, generally in early March, and the School Brochure is issued.

·       Class for the coming session are organised after discussion with the providing Nurseries and playgroups and consideration of written reports from the providers.

·       The teachers taking the new P1 pupils visit the Nursery and other playgroups and Nurseries if applicable.

·       The playgroups are invited to school sports, Nursery assembly and other school events.

·       Information Meetings are held for parents.

·       New P1 pupils visit classes for visits prior to their entry date.