Starting at the setting
Before the child starts at the setting the parents and the child are invited to attend 3 settling visits. These are to familiarise parents and children with the setting, staff and the routine. These consist of first visit enabling the parent to complete all needed paper work, to get to know the key person and to enable the child with time to explore and play.
The second is for the child to be settled in with the parent for 10 minutes and then to leave them to see how they get on without the parent around. If this goes well then the third is for the child to be left for an hour. If everyone is happy after this then the child is free to start. However if it is identified by the key person or parent that the child is not happy then more visit can be made to help them to settle into the setting.
Starting School
All children’s online learning journals (Tapestry) are completed by the end of July and sent through to the school prior to the child starting. This includes any paper work which supported the child in their time at the setting. This provides the school with all the relevant information before the child starts.
Some schools will arrange visits with us for the teachers to come into the setting to see the children in the setting and talk to the key persons.
The manager or lead is usually invited to a meeting with all the schools to discuss all the children who are moving on, this is a good time for them to go over likes, dislikes, next steps, difficulties and any additional support they may need. This is usually set up by the EYAT team.
If your child has additional needs we can arrange a meeting with the receiving school to support a smooth transition and to give clear picture of needs and provision that is required to be in place in the new setting.
If we identify, alongside specialist services that a young person is likely to require support above that is typically available in a mainstream school, for a prolonged period of time, we will ask your permission to apply for an application for an Education, Health and Care (EHC), which could lead to a statutory EHC plan. We will do this in a timely manner to ensure that your child has the support they need on entry to school.
To support the children in the last term before moving on to school, activities are planned to help prepare them, such as changing the role play corner into a school class room, having PE sessions, lining up at the door before going outside. Practicing writing and number work etc.