Transitioning to school for Kindergarten is a big step in not only the life of the child but their family as well.
Making this process as smooth as possible and supporting a successful start to school requires a partnership between the home and school and time to build bonds and develop relationships that can support the child throughout their schooling.
Current research as presented by Dr Libbey Murray (Doctor in Early Childhood Education and Associate Head of School CSU Dubbo), identified the following important factors in successful transition to school;
- Developing positive relationships with peers and teachers
- Learning the rules and routines at school
- Family support and involvement
- Encouraging success
At NPS we run a transition program, enabling students to feel comfortable with the school facilities, the staff and children at our school and the routines that will help them to feel secure when starting school. This time gives the students the opportunity to use our playgrounds, canteen, meet our teachers and see the classrooms they will be learning in. They have the opportunity to make friendships that can support them in their start to school. Research by Dockett and Perry (2001) indicated that although parents and teachers both understand the importance of social adjustments to school, students value learning the rules as a priority in feeling comfortable at the start of school. Accommodating the needs of our parents and students helps to make our transition program successful.
Students complete group and independent activities supporting early years' development and preparation for school. Our transition program to date has grown each year both in the length of time it runs for but also in its capacity to provide for the individual needs of students.
Transition to school marks a significant step in the lives of our children. At NPS we understand the importance of providing for the social and emotional wellbeing of children and their families in promoting a lifelong love of learning.
