Moving from reception (YR) into KS1 is a time of change and can be a source of both excitement and anxiety for children and for their parents/carers. Positive transitions are vital for all children’s emotional wellbeing and achievement, and planning for these transitions is fundamental to effective practice. Some children, such as those experiencing poverty, trauma, disadvantage or with SEND, may also need additional enhanced transition arrangements.

Positive Transitions YR to Key Stage One guidance provides evidence-informed steps and strategies to support consistent and effective transition preparation and pedagogy for all children. It builds on the findings of research project into YR to Y1 transition undertaken by Bristol Schools in 2021-22 with Dr Phil Nicholson and Dr Julie Fisher and is linked to EEF evidence toolkits and Resource Hubs . Although it focuses primarily on transition into Y1, the guidance is also intended to be useful to support any of the transitions that children experience moving between classes or rooms in a school, and transitions within the daily routine.

The guidance aligns with the principles and priorities of Bristol’s Children and Education Plan and Bristol’s Relationships and Belonging Guidance  and Bristol’s Y6 to Y7 Transition Guidance that has been shared with primary and secondary schools across the city.