Transition at Lingham
Transition to Nursery
A smooth transition into nursery is an important step in supporting children to feel happy, secure and ready to learn in their new environment. We place great value on building strong relationships with both children and their families from the very beginning.
During the first week of September, our nursery teacher will carry out home visits to get to know each child in a familiar and comfortable setting. This helps to build trust and ensures that every child’s individual needs are understood.
Following this, we offer a range of Stay and Play sessions, both with parents and independently, to gently introduce children to the nursery setting, routines and staff. These sessions are designed to build confidence, encourage independence and ensure that every child feels settled and supported as they begin their nursery journey.
Transition to Reception
Once your place is confirmed at Lingham, we will invite you to an information evening where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and will be given information ready for your child to start their journey at Lingham.
You will also be invited to a stay and play session in the summer term. This is an exciting event to make everybody (including the adults!) reel reassured about starting school. During this time your child will have the opportunity to explore the new surroundings and meet some new friends.
There is also a staggered intake for Reception children to enable them to settle into their new learning environment and to begin to build a relationship with the adults who will be caring for them. You will receive a letter will further details of times and dates of our staggered intake.
Transition to Year 1
A positive and well-planned transition from Reception to Year 1 is essential in ensuring children continue to feel confident, secure and ready to learn as they move into a more structured stage of their education.
We support this process carefully by building strong relationships and familiarity ahead of the move. During the final half term, the Year 1 teacher visits Reception each week to share a story with the children, helping them to become comfortable and excited about their new teacher.
In addition, Reception children take part in regular morning visits to the Year 1 classroom on a staggered basis, giving them the opportunity to explore their new environment in smaller groups. These visits also include time to meet Year 2 pupils and become familiar with the playground, further easing the transition.
Through these experiences, children develop confidence, independence and a sense of belonging, ensuring they are well prepared for the next stage of their learning journey.
Transition to Key Stage 2
A carefully supported transition into Key Stage 2 is vital in helping children feel confident, prepared and excited about the next stage of their learning. We place great importance on ensuring that pupils are familiar with new routines, expectations and environments before they begin.
Throughout the summer term, children are given opportunities to meet their new teachers, visit and become familiar with their new classrooms and spend time playing on the Key Stage 2 playground. Transition mornings allow pupils to experience life in their new year groups, helping to build confidence and independence.
We also use social stories to support children in understanding what to expect, reducing any anxieties about the change. For pupils with SEND, enhanced transition arrangements are carefully planned to meet individual needs and provide additional reassurance.
Parents are also invited to meet the new teachers during the summer term, helping to build strong home–school relationships and ensuring that both children and families feel fully supported during this important transition.