Supporting Children in the Transition to School

 

Understanding School Transition

The transition to school is a significant milestone that involves changes in environment, expectations, routines, and relationships. Successful transitions support children's adjustment to formal learning environments and set the foundation for positive educational experiences.

The transition to school is a significant milestone that involves changes in environment, expectations, routines, and relationships. Successful transitions support children's adjustment to formal learning environments and set the foundation for positive educational experiences.

Play Based Experience 1

School Role Play Corner

Create a dramatic play area that resembles a classroom with desks, a whiteboard, books, and school supplies. Children can take turns being the teacher and students, practicing school routines like raising hands, sitting at desks, and following instructions. This familiarizes children with school environments and expectations in a playful, non-threatening way.

Play Based Experience 2

Independence Skills Practice

Set up activities that promote self-help skills essential for school success, such as packing and unpacking backpacks, opening lunch boxes, tying shoes, and managing personal belongings. Create games around these skills, like timed challenges or helping dolls get ready for school, making independence practice enjoyable and motivating.

Preparing Children for Day Care

Transitioning into day care is a big step for families. The Transition to School Resource Kit from the Victorian Department of Education offers practical ideas, such as reciprocal visits and creating social storyboards, which can be adapted to help children feel familiar and confident in a new environment. Introducing children gradually, exploring the space together, and establishing predictable routines can reduce anxiety and build their sense of security from the very start.

 

Preparing Children for Primary School

Moving from early childhood settings into primary school becomes much smoother when there’s a shared understanding of a child’s interests, skills, and learning needs. The Transition Learning and Development Statement supports this by passing on rich information from early childhood services to primary teachers, ensuring continuity in learning and care. Engaging families in the transition process, visiting the school, and using familiar routines can help children feel confident and ready for their exciting next chapter.

Preparing Children for Moving Schools

Changing schools can be unsettling for children—but clear communication and shared understanding make a big difference. In Victoria, when moving between government schools, student records—including academic, health, and support information—are shared through CASES21 to ensure the next school can provide the best possible support. Parents and educators can further support children by arranging school visits, talking through the change in advance, and maintaining familiar routines to help children adjust smoothly.

References

Dockett, S., & Perry, B. (2014). Continuity of learning: A resource to support effective transition to school and school age care. Australian Government Department of Education.

Pianta, R. C., & Kraft-Sayre, M. (2003). Successful kindergarten transition: Your guide to connecting children, families, and schools. Paul H. Brookes Publishing.

Transition – Early Childhood to School: Resources | VIC.GOV.AU | Policy and Advisory Library. (2024). Vic.gov.au. https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/transition-early-childhood-school/resources

Prepare students for transitions. (2022, July 27). InclusionED. https://www.inclusioned.edu.au/practices/prepare-students-for-transitions

2 SECTION 1 OVERVIEW OF TRANSITION TO SCHOOL SECTION 2 RELATIONSHIPS TO SUPPORT TRANSITIONS Published by the Department of Education and Training Melbourne 2017 © State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training) 2017. (n.d.). https://content.sdp.education.vic.gov.au/media/transition-to-school-resource-kit-554

SUPPORTING STUDENTS DURING THE TRANSITION FROM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY SCHOOL. (n.d.). https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/teachingresources/practice/professionalpracticenote13.pdf

Progressing through school - Department of Education. (2025). Department of Education. https://www.education.wa.edu.au/progressing-through-school