Transition Key Stage 1 to 2

When your child moves from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 or nursery to juniors as a parent there is lots of questions we have regarding our childs new school life.  As a parent you will notice that your child is growing to be more independent. 

Some things which we might find simple might be a big thing in their day to day routine.  The change from infants to juniors or Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 can be a big thing for some children.  

We have listed here some of the things that might change for them and might make it easier for you to understand that they could be needing a gentle hand to integrate into this next stage of their development. 

Changes that might occur: 

The school day might change what time they start and what time they finish, where they are dropped off and the procedures of pick up and drop off.

Some schools encourage children to come onto the school playground themselves and line up. This might be something that your child might be anxious about whilst for some children this independence is just natural and they enjoy meeting their friends in the morning. Each child is different and you as a parent need to find the right routine that works for you.

A child is expected to be more independent with their book bags and changing reading books or bringing in homework. They are expected to be more organised and understand the school day more clearly. They are expected to work harder and longer at specific subjects. They will be encouraged to work more independently or on a table with their peers and their key skills like listening, taking turns, helping others, asking questions will be needed.

They will lose a break time in the afternoon and some schools expect children to have been to the bathroom during lunch time and not disturb the afternoon learning.

Children may be required to bring in pencil cases and their own water bottles.

Homework tends to increase in Year 3 - children will bring home Literacy, Maths, Spellings, Reading and topic work home on a weekly basis. 

Help your child to manage their homework over the days they have it set. 

Set them a timetable or encourage them to do things in short episodes so that they dont feel like it a big task. 

Work with your child but remember the homework set is always set at your child's ability and they would have done the learning at school, so it should be nothing new to them. 

Make sure your child is not tired and not hungry whilst doing homework.

The school tends to ensure that the transition from each stage is smooth and feels like a natural progression for the child to encourage development and learning.

If you feel your child is struggling with the learning or the transition talk to your teacher they might have some suggestions for you that can help at home and at school.