Behaviour that may indicate more support is needed with transition

As transition approaches in school, look out for the following behavioural changes that may indicate a child needs extra support:

  • Start to become clingier to you
  • Demonstrate a difficulty managing change
  • Begins asking about their new class and new teacher and what will happen very early in the half term
  • Show signs of being, anxious, upset or worried whenever transition is mentioned

Strategies to try

Identify the children in who may need extra support with the move and start preparing them for this as soon as possible. Provide weekly walks to the new area and acknowledge any feelings this may evoke in them. E.g. “It can feel a bit difficult moving to another part of the school, but remember there will be lots of people to help you feel settled.”

Identify and discuss any significant differences with moving from Key stage one to Key stage two, or from one class to another for example, different playground, change of break or lunchtime.

Encourage each child to make a list of the adults in school they can talk to and approach for help and support if they need it.

Acknowledge and keep revisiting the subject of change and ensure the children know they will be able to talk to you even when they are in their new class with another teacher.

For more strategies see my book

When they have had their transition time with their new teacher, encourage them to identify and discuss the similarities and differences, along with exploring their feelings about them. E.g. “The tables are set out differently, I’m worried who I will be sitting with”.

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