Starting School — EYFS Transition Knowledge Organiser

Transition into EYFS

1. 1 Why the start matters The first weeks of school set the trajectory. A child who feels safe in September learns differently in February than a child who does not.
2. 2 The key person approach Every child has a named key person primarily responsible for their welfare and learning. The key person builds a one-to-one relationship — the child's secure base at school.
3. 3 Phased induction Children starting gradually — part days, then longer — settle better than all starting full days immediately. The pace should match the child's readiness.
4. 4 Home visits A brief visit by the key person before school starts bridges home and school. The child sees that the school person and home person are connected and trusting.
5. 5 Parental anxiety Parents' anxiety transmits directly to children. The most important thing for the child's transition is supporting the parent's confidence. Warm, specific communication helps.
6. 6 Separation anxiety strategies Predictable warm goodbye ritual. Short decisive separation. Known comforting adult ready. Photo of family in child's tray. A special first task.
7. 7 Information gathering The parent knows the child better than the school does at the start. A questionnaire or meeting before September is intelligence gathering: what matters to this child? What frightens them? What calms them?