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Ngā whakawhitinga/Transitions Policy

2023

 

Rationale:          

Tamariki and their whānau will be supported through a very flexible process of transition, into the Centre, within the Centre, and to School.

 

Purpose:             

To ensure tamariki feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the transition from a familiar setting to an unfamiliar setting, and that whānau are informed and comfortable with the process of transition for their tamariki.

 

PROCEDURES

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While there are clear processes for transition these are adapted to individual whānau and tamariki.

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Transition into the Centre 

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  • Whānau can visit as often as they like before the children start at the centre. The settling process is very flexible.

  • All manuhiri are welcomed with a waiata at their first visit.

  • Information sharing – whānau receive information about Collectively Kids via email and in an enrolment pack, which includes a “Welcome to CK” book for tamariki. 

  • Whānau have the opportunity to provide information about their whānau via questionnaires, discussion, and sometimes home visits if whānau want these.

  • Whānau are encouraged to call any time and Kaiako usually message whānau during the first few weeks.

  • Whānau are invited to join Storypark where all tamariki have a portfolio and an individual plan to support their learning. A welcome story is written soon after starting and an individual transition plan is developed a few weeks later.

  • Whānau receive a CK book which includes the names and photos of kaiako and tamariki at the centre. This enables tamariki and their whānau to become familiar with the CK community.

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Transition from within the Centre

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Turning two:                                   

  • A month or two before turning two a transition plan is written for tamariki which focuses on preparing them and their whānau for the move.

  • Whānau receive information about what is different about the over two area

  • Tamariki spend more time in the over 2 area, including sleeping in the over two sleep area.

  • Once tamariki are two they are still welcome to spend time in the infant toddler room.

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Turning four:

  • A while before turning four tamariki receive a story about the “Big Kids’” area where rights and responsibilities are outlined.

  • Tamariki spend longer at mat time and eat together.

 

 

Transition to School:

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  • A few months before starting school a starting school plan is developed.

  • Whānau receives starting school information.

  • A progress report is written which looks at where tamariki are at in terms of the strands of Te Whāriki. This also involves tamariki making a plan for themselves including a special event before leaving.

  • All four year old tamariki join the starting school project which involves discussion about what happens at school, what the tamariki would like to learn before they leave, and what they can pass on to their teina at the centre.

  • Usually the four year old tamariki visit a new entrant classroom at a local school with their peers.

  • A letter for the teacher is written (in consultation with kaiako and whānau) before tamariki leave.

  • Tamariki leave handprints on the outdoor boxes at the centre.

  • For tamariki who require extra support a social story is developed and kaiako may be involved in school visits, meetings, or other communication with families and schools.

  • Children are welcome to stay at the centre until they turn 6.

A few months after tamariki start school whānau are asked to fill in a questionnaire and this is reviewed to see if any further action is needed.

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