Transition

At Hugo Meynell Primary School, we want our children to experience a smooth transition throughout their time with us, so that the pace and quality of learning are maintained to ensure that children feel safe and secure and can therefore continue to make their very best progress.

Although it can be a time of great excitement, we understand that moving to the next class or phase of education can also be challenging.

For those children that find change difficult, extra opportunities are provided to familiarise themselves and build relationships with the adults they will be working with.

Please be reassured that we will always support your child.

Early Years

Starting Nursery

To familiarise parents and children with the Nursery learning environment and staff, families are invited in to school for individual tours. This also provides the opportunity for parents to learn more about our Nursery as well as ask any questions they may have.

We understand that coming to school and starting Nursery is a big event for both parents and children. Before starting with us, we offer settling in sessions and the Nursery staff are available at the start and end of every session to speak to parents.

Reception

Here at Hugo Meynell children who start in Reception will have two days of transition.  The aim of this is to help ease the transition from your child’s current Nursery or setting into our Reception class.

When visiting Hugo your child will have the opportunity to discover and participate in a range of activities designed to help our experienced staff learn a little more about your child. Staff will spend some time talking to and interacting with your child, getting to know their interests and what really makes them tick!

As a parent, you may want to watch our Reception classroom tour featuring our very own Mrs Shore (Reception class teacher).   This will give your child and you the opportunity to see their class room together and help to ease any of those worries or feelings of anxiety.

Transition between Classes ('Moving Up')

All staff at Hugo Meynell Primary School get to know the children well; our house teams encourage collaboration across the school.

At the end of each year from Nursery upwards, the children will have the opportunity to spend time in their new classroom with their new class teacher.

All children take part in a range of transition activities in the second half of the summer term and before the summer holidays in their new classroom. This provides the children with an opportunity to find out about the routines of their new classroom as well as what they will be learning about. If your child has any concerns or additional needs all staff are happy to meet and discuss what extra provision, we can put in place to reassure them and provide a positive start in the next class.

Secondary Transition

Leaving primary school is a big life event; we want to make sure that the transition from primary to secondary is as smooth and exciting as possible.

Our Year 6 teacher meets with all secondary transition leaders and ensures a detailed handover is given for each child.

If your child needs any further support, we can facilitate visiting local schools before they leave Hugo Meynell for the next stage of their learning journey.

Resources for Year 6 parents & carers

Supporting children's transition to secondary school: guidance for parents and carers – Anna Freud Centre

This evidence-based guide for parents and carers provides tips about how children preparing for, or going through, the transition to secondary school can best be supported.

How to support your child practically – BBC

Dr Anna Colton, child and adolescent psychologist, offers her practical tips to parents on how to best support children who are transitioning from primary to secondary school.

My moving up to secondary school booklet – Compass

A booklet for pupils and their parents/carers to work through together, to help both parents/carers and children feel more prepared for the change.