Where Every Transition Becomes an Opportunity to Flourish
Welcoming New Pupils at the Start or During a School Year
Joining the St Paul’s Family
At St Paul’s CofE Primary School, we understand that joining a new school can be a significant step for both children and their families. Whether your child joins us at the beginning of the academic year or partway through, we are committed to ensuring they feel welcomed, valued, and part of our school family from day one.
Our transition process is carefully planned to help children settle quickly, build confidence, and feel secure in their new environment.
Before Your Child Starts
Before joining St Paul’s, families are invited to visit the school and meet key members of staff.
During this visit:
Children have the opportunity to spend time in their new classroom.
They can meet their new teacher, teaching staff, and classmates.
Parents and carers are given a tour of the school.
Families can discuss any questions, worries, medical needs, family circumstances, or additional support requirements.
We encourage parents and carers to share their child’s strengths, interests, and achievements so we can build on these from the very beginning.
Where possible, records and information are shared by the previous school to ensure continuity of learning, wellbeing support, and pastoral care.
Universal Transition Offer
All children joining St Paul’s receive:
A personalised welcome visit.
Opportunities to become familiar with their new classroom and learning environment.
A class buddy who supports them throughout the school day.
Support in learning school routines, including classroom expectations, entrances, playtimes, and lunchtime arrangements.
Opportunities to build friendships and develop a sense of belonging within their new class.
Our aim is to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and confident as they begin their journey with us.
Enhanced Transition Offer
Some children may benefit from additional transition support.
This may include:
Additional visits to school before their start date.
Opportunities to spend extra time with their new teacher and teaching staff.
Personalised transition resources, including photo books showing key adults, classrooms, entrances, coat peg areas, and important spaces around school.
Tailored support plans to meet individual needs.
Gradual or flexible transition arrangements where appropriate.
Working Together
Our teachers, teaching assistants, Pastoral Team, and Inclusion Team work closely together to ensure a successful transition.
This includes:
Liaising with previous schools to gather information about academic progress, wellbeing, strengths, and support needs.
Sharing effective strategies and interventions that have previously supported the child.
Planning provision and support before the child starts at St Paul’s.
Maintaining regular communication with parents and carers throughout the transition process.
Our SENDCo, Mrs Millidge, is available to discuss how best to support your child and ensure that any additional needs are understood and appropriately met.
Supporting Children Beyond Their First Day
Starting a new school is a journey, not just a single event. During their first weeks at St Paul’s, we continue to monitor how children are settling in, building relationships, and accessing learning.
Through regular check-ins, pastoral support, buddy systems, and strong communication with families, we ensure that every child feels welcomed, supported, and ready to flourish.
At St Paul’s, every child is known, valued, and encouraged to thrive as a member of our school family.
For support with applying for a place at St Paul’s, please click the link below: