{"id":300,"date":"2021-08-06T13:06:43","date_gmt":"2021-08-06T12:06:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ncl.ac.uk\/nuparents\/?p=300"},"modified":"2021-08-06T13:16:49","modified_gmt":"2021-08-06T12:16:49","slug":"transitioning-from-preschool-to-primary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ncl.ac.uk\/nuparents\/2021\/08\/06\/transitioning-from-preschool-to-primary\/","title":{"rendered":"Transitioning from Preschool to Primary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Preschool to Primary is a massive jump for both parents and children. It\u2019s the first moment you realise your child is no longer a pre-schooler but instead is ready for the big school. We recently had a virtual coffee morning, where our three lovely guest speakers shared their own experience, navigating the move to primary school.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, we had Dr Tora Smulders-Srinivasan – a lecturer of Biomedical Sciences at Teesside University who shared her experience of helping her two children manage the transition, followed by Annie Robinson and Natalie Costello from Durham MAMS (a highly active parents network based at Durham University) who provided their own insights into this transition.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are the top tips, each speakers\u2019 contribution and the Q & A for approaching this milestone.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have any other advice or tips please comment below. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Tips <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  1. Look Beyond the Rankings <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    All our speakers could agree that rankings are not the best indicator of a good school. They all highly recommend you visit the schools beforehand as that can influence how you feel about certain schools. Some schools put extra effort in when showing you around the school which makes you feel more welcomed and confident that this is a place where you want your child to be.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Buy Enough Uniform (don\u2019t forget the stain remover!)  <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Moving from preschool to primary does not mean children automatically stop spilling food or drinks on their shirt. I can vouch for this as a student, I still remember spilling food and drinks till the very end of primary school – much to my mother\u2019s horror. So, make sure you get plenty of uniform and stain remover. A parent suggested that although some schools have branded white button downs, rather buy ASDA ones so you can replace them faster and won\u2019t break the bank! Another helpful tip is to buy Velcro shoe as laces are difficult and time consuming compared to Velcro which is super easy to slip on and off while saving children the stress of laces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Make Sure to Label Everything <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Another parent highly recommended labelling uniforms to ensure there are no mix ups with other children\u2019s uniforms. \u201cIf I could, I would label socks\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Teach them School Skills (zipping a coat, carrying a tray etc.) <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          One of the speakers highlighted that the worries of children going to primary school are completely different to parents. They are more focused on the skills they need to know such as how to zip up their coat, how to put on a jumper, and most importantly how to carry a tray with food on it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Know Who is the Visible Contact and Their Complaint Policy <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            On a much more serious note, as a parent, in addition to the environment, your child\u2019s safety is the number one priority. If you feel that there is something to be raised, make sure you know who to contact. Furthermore, knowing how the school handles your complaints, especially about EDI (if this is something that could potentially affect you) is important.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            1. Look for Online Groups for Parents Whose Children are Attending the Same Intake  <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              This can be particularly useful for children transitioning to a new school where they do not know many people. It\u2019s also great for further along in the year as many parents end up posting important notices – which could potentially get lost in the little one\u2019s school bag. Another tip is that local soft play centre tends to do play dates for school intakes – a perfect place for you to meet other parents and children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              1. Don\u2019t be Afraid to Ask Questions <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                This is something we always say to children but as we grow older, we slowly forget that every question is important and likely that someone else is thinking the same thing! Your child will spend a lot of time at school – you have every right to ask a question. Instead, channel what you tell your child and do the same.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                1. Be Aware of Entry Requirements <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Some schools in the U. K are faith based, so it is important to consider this when picking a school. The choice is up to you but if you are picking a faith school different to your faith there are sometimes different criteria and requirements. These are typically clearly stated on the school\u2019s website so, please do have a look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Guest Speakers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Dr Tora Smulders-Srinivasan <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Tora has two boys (15 and 11) who completed this transition a few years ago. Her oldest son was in a private nursery before he joined the school, while most of his school cohort had previously gone to the school\u2019s nursery. As she was new to the school as well, she was worried about him integrating and making new friends. Her son had mixed emotions as well; he was quite excited to start school but was worried about the move to a new school. Despite being quite young he felt a bit scared to start however as the term began, he was able to fit in and make new friends while enjoying his transition.  For him she felt the real struggle was the transition from reception to year one as there is no more play time, and children must sit down and do actual work – quite draining for a child new to this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n