🌿 Transition at Market Field School

Supporting every child to feel safe, known and ready to succeed

We understand that moving to a new school, class or stage of education can feel exciting but also worrying—for both children and families.

At Market Field School, we place great importance on getting transition right. We work closely with families, previous settings and professionals to ensure every child feels safe, understood and ready to learn, reflecting our core values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship.

Transition is not a single event—it is a carefully planned journey, tailored to each child.

🌟 Our Approach to Transition

We believe that successful transition happens when:

• Children feel familiar with their new environment and staff
• Families feel informed, listened to and confident
• Staff have a deep understanding of each child’s needs, strengths and interests

We take a personalised, child-centred approach, recognising that every child will need something slightly different.

📅Before your child starts

What Happens and When

• We gather detailed information from previous settings, families and professionals.
• Transition meetings are held to plan support and share key information.
• Staff may visit your child in their current setting.
• We begin to build a clear picture of what helps your child thrive.

Getting to know us

• Your child is offered planned visits to the school.
• You will be invited to a coffee morning where the school is explained to you and key information given.
• You and your child will meet key staff and explore important areas such as their new classroom
• We may provide photos, social stories or booklets to support familiarity

Starting at Market Field

• We carefully plan your child’s first days and weeks - our first day in September is only our new students.
• Additional support is put in place where needed
• Routines are introduced gradually and sensitively

Settling in

• We monitor how your child is feeling and adapting
• Adjustments are made where necessary
• We work closely with you to ensure a positive start

💬 What This Means for Your Child

Every child’s transition is tailored to their individual needs. This may include:

• Extra visits or shorter initial days
• Visual supports such as timetables and social stories
• Opportunities to meet staff in advance
• Familiarisation with transport, routines and key spaces
• A focus on building relationships and reducing anxiety

Our aim is that every child develops a strong sense of:

• Belonging
• Confidence
• Independence

👩‍🏫 Meet the Transition Team

Your first point of contact is your child's class teacher, who will support you throughout the process.

We are here to:

• Answer any questions
• Provide reassurance and guidance
• Work in partnership with you to meet your child’s needs

📧 Contact us:
[admin@marketfield.essex.sch.uk]
📞 [01206 825195]

🧭 Preparing for Your Child’s Start

We will guide you through everything you need to know, including:

• What to expect in the first few weeks
• School routines and structure
• Transport arrangements
• What your child needs to bring
• Communication systems between home and school

We know every family is different, so we encourage you to ask questions at any stage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child feels anxious?
This is completely natural. We use a gradual, supportive approach and adapt plans to meet each child’s needs.

Can I visit the school?
Yes—at coffee morning, at Transition day and, if your child's class team feels it is necessary, further visits may be factored in.

Who do I contact if I have concerns?
Your child’s class team and our senior leadership team will be available throughout the process.

📘 Resources to Support Transition at Home

We provide resources to help prepare your child, such as:

• Transition booklets
• “All About Me” profiles
• Visual timetables
• Social stories

These can be shared with you to use at home, helping your child feel prepared and reassured.

🧒 Voices of Our Pupils and Families

“I felt nervous at first, but visiting helped me know where everything was.”

“The staff really took time to understand our child—it made such a difference.”

We value the voices of our pupils and families and continually reflect on how we can improve our transition process.

🤝 Working in Partnership

Transition works best when we work together.

We value:

• Your knowledge of your child
• Open communication
• Regular feedback and shared decision-making

Together, we can ensure your child has the very best start at Market Field School.