A big focus for all children at this time of year is helping them to feel settled as they get used to life with new teachers and in different classrooms. These times of change can be stressful and we put a lot of thought into preparing children and staff so that anxiety is minimised and things run as smoothly as possible. Much of this work begins towards the end of the previous school year, with transition days, nursery and home visits, teacher swaps and additional orientation for children who may be vulnerable or just need a little extra reassurance.

Being part of Mercia Learning Trust along with King Ecgbert’s School means that links between the two schools are excellent and our Y6 children enjoy a range of carefully co-ordinated visits and experiences, both formal and informal. Recently, this included a KES chemistry specialist teaching lessons at Totley Primary, for example, and an opportunity for our children to engage in a Design Technology project which covered 3D printing, sustainable home design, and more.

Planning for successful transitions is a vital part of any school’s remit and it has been very rewarding to see children of all ages feeling happy and confident as the new school year has got underway!