Transition to school

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​'Transition as children move into the first year of school is a dynamic process of continuity and change. The process of transition occurs over time, beginning well before children start school, and extending to the point where children and families feel a sense of belonging at school and where educators recognise this sense of belonging.'

Educational Transitions and Change (ETC) research group, 2011, Transition to School: Position Statement, Albury-Wodonga: Research Institute for professional practice, Learning and Education, Charles Sturt University, p.1.)

The transition to school is a time of opportunity, aspiration, expectation and entitlement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their families and educators. As children start school, they are enthusiastic learners, keen to build on their learning. They hope school will be enjoyable and will support their developing independence and willingness to learn. Families hope their children will be happy and successful in school. They expect to be respected as partners in their children’s education.

An effective transition takes time, as the roles and identities of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children change. Children need to feel secure and confident that they’re cared for and that they can succeed. It’s important they’re listened to and that they and their families feel supported as they manage all the changes that a transition to school brings.

Planning for positive transitions involves collaboration between educators and professionals across early childhood settings and schools. Through relationship, conversations and planning, educators help children understand the expectations, interactions, routines and practices of a new learning environment. They support children, families and communities to feel secure, valued and successful in school.

​​​​​​​​​​A successful transition will:

• support children’s identities and expand their experiences through different relationships and communities
  
• allow children to be actively involved in decisions and actions that affect them
  
• respect and respond to children’s existing competencies, cultural heritage and histories
  
• involve families and educators to support children’s learning and development
  
• promote continuity of learning through connected curriculum, purposeful pedagogies and meaningful learning environments
  
• reflect policies and practices that are strength-based, inclusive and equitable.

Transit​ion statement

A transition statement is a summary of each child’s learning across their kindergarten year with contributions from the kindergarten teacher, parents and child. It’s prepared towards the end of the year before the child starts school, so that learning can build on foundations of earlier learning.

In Queensland, parents and carers must give their consent for a transition statement to be shared with a child's Prep teacher and/or other relevant staff at their new school. More information is available on the requesting parent/carer consent to share transition statements page on the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority website.

Working together to complete a transition statement gives children, families and educators the chance to:

• reflect on children’s attainments
• share responsibilities for future learning
• share information, concerns, expectations and aspirations.

This may sometimes require the support of first language-speaking adults.

The transition statement should supplement a wide range of strategies educators use, in partnership with families and children, to support the transition process. Transitions should be thoughtfully planned and respond to each child’s unique strengths, interests and skills. Successful transitions require collaboration, so that all involved feel a part of the process and that they belong in the school.

Templ​ates​​​​​​