Early years to primary school

This page will guide you through the key transition focuses when moving from early years to primary school, and how to prepare for adulthood at this stage.

Key transition focuses

The key transition focuses from moving from early years to primary education include: 

• early identification and support: early identification of SEND - through assessments, observations in the nursery/pre-school setting using the SEND thresholds
• collaboration between services: multi-agency meetings involving parents, early years staff, health and social care professionals and the Local Authority Early Years and SEND Team where appropriate
• parental involvement: parents play a pivotal role in planning. Ensure that they are supported in doing this and advocating for their child's needs

Enhanced support

Enhanced support at this transition stage may include: 

• smooth handover between the Early Years settings and services to the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator 
• visits to the Primary school, meetings with teachers and support staff to create a tailored Individual Transition Plan
• supportive learning environments with visual aids, structured routines and additional classroom assistants where needed, individual behaviour plans, communication preferences discussed with parents and previous providers where appropriate

This relates to SEND thresholds 1-3. 

Find out more and SEND thresholds

Preparation for adulthood

There are things to think about for your child for preparing for adulthood at this stage which include:

• understanding the importance of being safe and potential hazards
• washing and brushing teeth
• developing interests and starting to travel to places with family and undertaking some tasks independently
• starting to understand health needs
• developing communication and social needs - starting to build friendships
• starting to engage in team games, cooking and some independent learning
• developing some friendship groups

Stepping Up advice for this transition

1. You can try to plan weekend activities to promote independence - such as trips to the supermarket or meeting other families to encourage friendships
2. Check if the school got sporting activities or hobby groups which will stimulate interest and ideas
3. See if you can you support them either at school or in a local club
4. Check on the website of the various primary settings for their SEND Policy, their Ofsted grade and their SEND information report - how do they spend their funding in terms of SEND support and the funding from the Pupil Premium Grant? 
5. Have you any other family members,any friends, or a network of parents in the school that could help?