Transition

Transfer to Junior School

At Oatlands Junior School, we recognise that transition from infants to juniors can be both exciting and overwhelming for all involved. More so because the children in our community move to us from completely different schools. We understand that transition is a process and not an event, which is why we begin liaising with our main feeder school, Oatlands Infant School long before the children are due to start with us in September. Key members of staff meet to share and receive relevant information about the children and as we feel that it is such an important time in a child’s life, Mrs McNerney is the designated named member of staff at our school who is responsible for transition between Year 2 and Year 3.

We strive to make the transition process between infants and juniors as smooth as possible which is why the classes are set in collaboration with staff from OIS. The process of transition also involves many more activities, including:

• The Year 3 teachers observing the Y2 children in their Year 2 classes.

• The Year 2 teachers observing the Y3 children in their Year 3 classes.

• Year 2 assembly led by Mrs McNerney at OIS.

• Taster day at OJS with Y2 children spending the morning taking part in art, PE and computing activities with the Y3 teachers.

• Transition day which is when the Year 2 children come to us to spend the day with their new teacher.

Extra meetings and transition activities are arranged for those children who are identified as needing this by their infant school. The SENCOs from both our school and the infant schools meet to discuss any children who have special educational needs so that we can provide appropriate provision from the very first day in September.

Children in Key Stage 2 are expected to take more responsibility in organising themselves and their belongings. We appreciate that this independence can take time to achieve, and we help and encourage the children to gradually become more independent throughout their time in Year 3.

We do understand this can be a difficult adjustment for some children. To help all children settle in to school life we give each new Year 3 class a Year 6 ‘buddy’ class. Most children, despite their anxieties, settle in quickly and thoroughly enjoy the challenges presented. The quicker your child can become independent, the happier they will be.

An independent child feels more comfortable in a different setting and will make the most out of opportunities presented to them.

These are some of the things you can do to promote independence and confidence.

• Give your child some responsibility, however small. For example, packing their own school bag or lunch box; giving you letters from school.
• Completing homework tasks is your child's responsibility, with your help and support.
• Help your child to become a better time manager by asking them to carry out your instructions immediately and to complete tasks asked of them. This could include laying the table, feeding pets, watering plants and tidying up. Ensure that your child can do up shoe laces, buttons, and zips.
• Help your child to look after their own things at home. This will help them with their personal organisation at school.
• Give plenty of praise - sometimes apparently small achievements have taken a lot of effort.

Oatlands Infant School

Visit the website here

Children normally transfer from the Infant School to Oatlands Junior School. Please refer to our admissions policy. Applications for a place at the Junior School are made through the North Yorkshire County Council Admissions office. There is close liaison between the two schools.  Members of staff meet regularly and engage in joint training sessions. The Year 2 children visit the Junior School on a number of occasions in their final year at the Infant School as a means of preparing them for their new school and familiarising them with the building, routines and staff.

Useful Links

Starting Primary and Junior School - North Yorkshire Council

Starting Secondary School - North Yorkshire Council