Transition Primary to Secondary School Transition The transition

Transition Primary to Secondary School

Transition • The transition to secondary school is a time when many parents see their child as becoming more independent. • Some parents find the change hard, wanting to prolong childhood and protect their children from any threat or danger. • With help and support we can encourage them to try new things and take risks with you as the safety net. • By encouraging children to be more independent and responsible for themselves, you will helping them to be become more confident and competent about managing their own lives and making sensible decisions.

Parents- Dealing with Change • As adults we forget what it was like for us. • We think “What if……? ” and it’s often a negative. • Have we made the right decision? • Will my child be alright?

Questions you ask yourself in new situations • What does it feel like to go into a building for the first time? • What do you do when you don’t see anyone you know? • What do you do if you think you are lost?

Do and Don’t Do…… • Listen to your child’s hopes and fears • Be positive about the move to secondary school. • Work out the journey to school together • Find out who to talk to if you need an update on your child’s progress or if there is a problem.

Don’t…. • Pass on myths or stories that may worry your child. • Expect your child to manage the transfer by themselves • Do everything for them. • Expect the secondary school to work in the same way as primary school.

Planning and Prep • Allow an adjustment period. • Remind them to pack their bags the night before. • Check journals/planners to ensure homework is being completed.

Checklist of things to do/have • • • A copy of the school brochure-(download if possible) Start and finish times of the school day Holidays and other non-school dates A contact number for the school The name of your child’s form tutor or contact teacher An Oyster card (bus pass) for your child A school uniform and equipment list A copy of the school behaviour/ Anti-bullying policy A copy of the special needs policy Information on parent’s evenings Information on homework requirements Information on out of school hours activities and clubs

Points to keep in mind when you visit the school • Have arrangements been made to show me round the school? • Have I had the chance to ask relevant questions of individual members of staff? • Are there informative displays of pupils work? • Do books and equipment seem readily available to the pupils? • Do I feel staff are happy to answer my questions and explain points to me? • Do I know my child’s form tutor and tutor group

Emergency checklist Does your child know………. . ? • Your home address and telephone number (home, mobile and or work). • Who to contact in an emergency, and what the telephone numbers are? • Whom to approach at the new school if they have a problem. • What to do if they lose their keys, Oyster card or money. • If they are late, lost or sick.

Do you know……. . ? • How your child plans to travel? • Whether the school informs parents if they plan to keep pupils late or if a child has not arrived at school. • The name and contact numbers of your child’s friends

Q and A