Transition at Tidbury Green
As a school, we know that moving from one stage of education to another—whether it’s starting Reception, moving up a year group, joining us from another school or moving on to the next stage in their journey —is a big step for children and their families. That’s why positive and effective transition is something we take very seriously.
We want every child to feel safe, happy, and confident when they join a new class or start school life with us. A smooth transition helps children settle quickly, build strong relationships with adults and classmates and feel ready to learn from the very start.
We also understand that transition isn’t just about the children—it’s about supporting families too. We aim to keep you fully informed, involved and reassured every step of the way.
By working closely with nurseries, other schools and of course with you, we make sure we understand each child’s needs, strengths, and worries. This helps us to put the right support in place so that every child feels known, valued, and ready to thrive.
In short, a positive start leads to positive progress—and that’s what we want for every child in our care.
What does Transition look like at Tidbury Green?
We know that times of change can feel exciting but also a little daunting, so we’ve put thoughtful transition arrangements in place to help make the journey as smooth and positive as possible for both children and families. The details of this can be found below:
For children starting in Nursery or Reception
- Stay and Play Sessions – We invite children and parents into school for informal sessions to explore the classroom and meet staff.
- Home Visits or Nursery Visits – Our Early Years staff either visit your child’s nursery or arrange a short home visit so we can get to know your child in a familiar setting.
- Welcome Meetings for Parents – These give you a chance to meet the team, ask questions, and understand what to expect.
For in-year starters
- Welcome Packs – Every child receives a welcome pack to help them feel part of the school from day one.
- All About Me – A one page form to be completed by your child before or when they join Tidbury Green and then shared with their class teacher to support building a relationship as soon as your child joins us.
- Buddy System – We pair new pupils with a friendly buddy to help them navigate their new surroundings and make friends quickly.
- Regular Check-ins – Staff keep a close eye on new joiners and check in regularly to ensure they’re settling well.
For year to year transition
- Meet the New Teacher Day – Children spend time in their new classroom with their next teacher to build confidence ahead of the new year.
- Information Sharing Between Staff – Teachers share detailed handover information so each child’s needs and strengths are known from day one.
- Parent Updates – We’ll let you know who your child’s next teacher will be and share tips on how to prepare over the summer.
- All About Me and Transition Activities – These are completed by your child before they join their new class and then shared with their class teacher to support building a relationship as soon as your child joins us
- Transition Week – During the last week of the school year, your child will spend a number of days in their new class with their new teacher.
For Year 6 to Year 7 transition
- Strong Links with Secondary Schools – We work closely with our local secondary schools to ensure a joined-up handover.
- Transition Days – Most children have the opportunity to spend a day at their new school, meet teachers, and start to feel comfortable.
- Support for Pupils with Additional Needs – We arrange/request extra visits where possible and work closely with receiving schools to make sure the right support is in place.
How can families support their child's transition? 
- Meeting with transition staff to share any concerns, anxieties and things that have gone well
- Using countdowns, calendars, passports to support the run up to starting at a new school
- Familiarising the child with the new uniform, school bag etc
- Practising the independent journey to school
- Visiting the school with their child
- Establishing links with a contact person at school
- Establishing a routine for things like homework, clubs and PE days
- Share key information about your child such as, through completion of transition documents, discussing relevant SEND information.
- Use emotion coaching strategies to support children's worries. Some suggestions can be found here.
If you need any further support or have any questions, please get in touch with one of the people below.
- Your child's class teacher
- Mrs Lynch - Early Years Lead
- Miss Murphy - KS1 Lead
- Mr Golding - LKS2 Lead
- Mrs White - UKS2 Lead
- Miss Morgan - SENDCO
