Transition into school can be a daunting one for young children and so we try to ensure that both parents and children are aware of the process to support those joining our school.

Once a child is part of the school community, transition does not stop for them! As a school we are mindful of each and every step that the children make as they progress throughout their educational school during their 7 years with us. Our school website outlines the main points of transition as follows:

Transition into Mini St. Mikes Nursery

Transition into Mini St. Mikes Nursery is an important part of the whole process of induction to our school for the young three year olds. 

We hold an induction welcome  meeting for parents/carers in June, prior to the children starting at St. Michael’s. At this meeting we outline the main procedures for the nursery, highlight key aspects parents/carers need to be aware of as well as give a tour of Mini St. Mikes and meet the Leadership Team and the Nursery Team. 

In September we also have a comprehensive induction process to facilitate the smooth transition into the nursery both for the parents and pupils. 

• There are 1:1 meetings with staff to gather information about the child

• There  'stay and play' sessions which are an ideal opportunity to get to know the nursery, the school and the overall exciting learning your child will be experiencing

• We operate a short staggered start at the beginning so that the children can acclimatise to Mini St. Mikes and become familiar with their surroundings.

All of the above have helped with the smooth, happy and safe transition into our nursery. 

Please note: It is important to note that transition into the main school from Mini St. Mikes is not automatic and you do have to re-apply under normal Reception intake regulations.

Transition into the Main School

The admissions process into the main school has to be completed again as set out in the admissions policy and procedures. There is no automatic entry into the main school from Mini St. Mikes Nursery.

Once an offer has been made and accepted the transition process begins.  This transition is an important part of the whole process of induction to our main school. It is as follows:

• We hold a special meeting for parents/carers in June, prior to the children starting at St. Michael’s. At this meeting we outline the main procedures for the school, highlight key aspects parents/carers need to be aware of as well as give a tour of the Early Years Phase and meet the Leadership Team and the Early Years Team. 

• In September, prior to starting there are 1:1 meetings for both children and parents with staff and are an ideal opportunity to get to know the class, the school and the overall exciting learning your child will be experiencing as they join Reception.

• Children start on a staggered basis so that the routines and settling in can be in small groups and the children can familiarise themselves with the environment.

• The class will be divided into 2 groups for taster sessions. Both will experience lunchtime on a staggered basis as it is recognised that this can be a daunting time for young ones.

• Please refer to the school calendar for the dates in September.

Transition into the Lower Phase

Transition into the Lower Phase begins in the latter part of the Summer term when we prepare the children in Red and Green class for the move into ‘the main school’!

A series of visits are made into the Lower Phase and the children acclimatise to the new classrooms, the routines and shared area of learning. Furthermore, the play times are no longer separate and the children can begin to bond in the main playground.

This all assists with the smooth and safe transition for the children . 

Transition into the Middle Phase

We feel that there is a bridge to cross when moving from the Lower Phase in Key Stage 1 to the Middle Phase in Key Stage 2 at the age of 7 years old.

This is the next major hurdle for the children as they acclimatise to the new routines of the school and mix with the older children in school. Adjusting to going up the stairs is part of the transition and also becoming familiar with the shared learning areas.

At this stage the first 'blending' of classes takes place.  Staff review the class composition and with information also gathered from parents and pupils, the children are blended as they move into Year 3.

There is a 'Move up Morning' where the children are able to visit their new class, meet with their teacher and the expectations for the forthcoming year are established.

Transition into the Upper Phase

The transition from Middle Phase and Year 4 to Upper Phase and Year 5 can be quite a jump for many children.  This is the next major hurdle for the children as they acclimatise to the new routines of the school and get used to more responsibility such as homework diaries and extra monitoring jobs. 

At this stage the second 'blending' of classes takes place.  Staff once again review the class composition and with information also gathered from parents and pupils, the children are blended as they move into the final Phase and Year 5.

Teachers are aware of this transition and the challenges the children face. Staff prepare the children for this through the PSHE lessons and staff come and meet their new classes and talk through the expectations. here is a 'Move up Morning' where the children are able to visit their new class, meet with their teacher and the expectations for the forthcoming year are established. The children also acclimatise to the new larger classrooms with a different layout of furniture, the routines and shared area of learning. 

Transition to Key Stage 3

The final transition stage is from Year 6 to Year 7. This is known as ‘Secondary Transfer’ or Transition to Key Stage 3.

As a school we provide comprehensive support and guidance both to parents and pupils through this process. The teaching and learning as well as organisation of homework using a diary and attendance at Open Evening to take part in the target setting is part of this transition.

In the latter part of the Summer term we begin the transition process and prepare the children for the routines of secondary school life. The children and parents are invited to a Transition Meeting to support this move. Please click on this link for further information: Secondary Transfer