Planning and Implementation Matrix

Research into Practice

This section provides practical ideas on how to assess practice and provides sample strategies that may assist planning, implementation and evaluation of transition to school programs.

The five key aspects for effective Transition to School suggested are based on current research and successful activities from services implementing transition programs. These aspects provide a framework to plan, implement and evaluate Transition to School.

The five key aspects for effective Transition to School are:

1. Build relationships (MS Word 201kb)

2. Work in partnership with key players (MS Word 234kb)

3. Respond to the needs of the local community (MS Word 160kb)

4. Link children's early learning and prior knowledge with school (MS Word 671kb)

5. Plan and evaluate (MS Word 428kb)

Schools and/or children's services staff reflect upon their current practice, analyse strengths and needs of their current program then plan for new or improved Transition to School. Effective transition programs could be school, community services, and/or community-initiated and involve teachers, parents, children and community partners.

After planning, the program is implemented and evaluated by those involved. This cycle will continue throughout the year and will evolve each year based on the context of the local community.

Transition to School programs usually include an orientation session to inform parents of new Kindergarten children about the expectations of the school. They also focus on developing social and emotional skills for children as well as academic skills. 

Transition to School may include:

• children's services teachers and school teachers networking to share information about early childhood education and the early learning experiences of children
• information sessions for parents about starting school for example, what to expect when children start Kindergarten, the school curriculum, school organisation
• activities for children to help them become familiar with 'big' school for example, visits from the local preschool to the school.

The following matrix (pdf 21kb) and Transition to School Action Plan (pdf 28kb) may be helpful in assessing current practice and assist school planning.