Transition to Reception

Starting school is a big step for a child and their family, but there is lots that Early Years settings and schools can do to work together and with families to support the process.

The Positive Transitions guidance provides clarity regarding responsibilities, processes, and strategies that support transition to enable a coherent and consistent approach for children and families and particularly those with SEND.

Positive Transitions in the Early Years

All early years settings in Bristol are requested to complete a Universal Transfer Record for each child moving to reception class and to share these securely with the receiving school. The Universal Transfer Record (UTR) provides a succinct summary of learning and development and other relevant information to support a positive transition and are a vital part of the transition process. Reception teachers receiving the UTRs are requested to read all UTRs carefully, using them to inform arrangements for transition of each child and following up requests for further conversations with settings and other professionals as needed. Reception teachers should also check with their school SENCos and take part in the additional transition planning and processes for children with SEND.

The forms together with guidance on how to complete them, can be downloaded below, together with completed examples, a letter for parents and the associated privacy notice. Settings are also requested to complete additional enhanced transfer documents for children with SEND (also downloadable below).

Your lead teacher and the inclusion support team are available to advise if needed.

Resources to support Parents and Carers

Early Years providers and schools play a pivotal role in supporting parents and carers to help their child be ready with the step into school. All settings, schools and academies are encouraged to share these resources with parents and carers.