Starting school is one of the most important milestones in a child’s life. At The Whiteoak Academies, we are committed to ensuring every child has a positive, confident and well-supported start to their school journey.

Our transition process is carefully designed to give every child the best possible start to school. We follow the latest Department for Education guidance to ensure children feel safe, confident and ready to learn, with strong relationships and close partnership with families at the heart of everything we do.

We take a personalised approach to transition, recognising that every child is unique. Our carefully planned process helps children to feel safe, secure and excited about starting school, while also supporting parents and carers every step of the way.

We actively encourage families to become part of our school community from the very beginning, including attending school events such as fairs and getting involved in our parent association.

Our Transition Timeline

We work closely with nurseries, pre-schools and families to ensure continuity of learning and a smooth, successful transition into Reception.

April – Individual Contact & Nursery Collaboration

Once we receive our list of new starters, the EYFS Lead contacts nurseries and pre-schools to gather detailed information about each child.

As part of our partnership approach:

• Nursery and pre-school staff are invited into school to observe teaching and learning within our EYFS environment, should they wish to
• Nursery staff are invited to attend a School Readiness session to support alignment between settings

Additional visits are arranged where needed, particularly for children requiring enhanced transition support. Planning for children with additional needs takes place in collaboration with the SENDCo.

May – School Readiness Session

Parents are invited to a School Readiness session where we share key information about starting school, routines and expectations.

This session is designed to:

• Support children’s transition into school
• Provide practical guidance for parents
• Reduce anxiety and build confidence
• Offer opportunities for parents to meet, network and build supportive relationships

May/June – Pre-school Visits & Information Evening

Reception staff visit children in their pre-school settings to begin building relationships.

Parents are invited to an Information Evening where they:

• Meet their child’s teacher
• Visit the classroom
• Learn about the September timetable and daily routines

July – Settling-in Sessions, Home Visits & Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Children attend settling-in sessions where they:

• Explore the classroom environment
• Meet teachers and classmates
• Begin to feel familiar with routines

All families are offered either:

• A home visit, or
• A telephone meeting with their child’s new teacher.

We also invite families to a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, providing a relaxed opportunity to build early connections and feel part of the school community.

September – Phased Start

Children begin school on a carefully planned phased timetable before moving to full-time attendance. See below for this years’ transition week -

Group Information

• Group A: Children born 1st September – 31st March
• Group B: Children born 1st April – 31st August

 

September 2026 Transition Timetable

Day	Morning	Afternoon
Mon 7 Sept	Group A (8:50–11:45)	Group B (1:15–3:00)
Tue 8 Sept	Group A (8:50–11:45)	Group B (1:15–3:00)
Wed 9 Sept	Group B (8:50–1:00, packed lunch)	Group A (1:15–3:00)
Thu 10 Sept	Group A (8:50–1:00, packed lunch)	Group B (1:15–3:00)
Fri 11 Sept	All children (8:45–1:00, school dinner)	—

From Monday 14th September, all children attend full time:
8:45am – 3:20pm

A Personalised Approach

We recognise that every child’s transition journey is different and provide enhanced support, close communication and flexibility to ensure every child feels confident and ready to learn.

 

 

A Day in the EYFS

Every day in Reception is carefully structured to provide a balance of routine, independence and high-quality learning experiences. Consistent routines help children feel secure while developing confidence and independence.

Daily Routine

8:45 – 8:55 | Arrival
Children are welcomed at the gate, enter independently and begin a morning task.

9:00 – 9:25 | Whole Class Input
A focused Literacy or Mathematics session.

9:25 – 10:10 | Guided Groups & Provision
A balance of adult-led learning, small group work and purposeful play.

10:10 – 10:20 | Tidy Up & Mindfulness Time/Talk through Stories

10:20 – 10:35 | Break Time

10:35 – 11:00 | Fruit and Milk time with Storytime / Assembly

11:00 – 11:25 | Phonics

11:25 – 11:30 | Movement Break

11:30 – 11:45 | Maths or Literacy Input

11:45 – 1:00 | Lunchtime

1:00 – 1:20 | Afternoon Input

1:20 – 2:20 | Learning Time

2:20 – 2:40 | Tidy Up & Movement Break

2:40 – 3:10 | Interventions & Targeted Support

3:10 – 3:20 | Story Time & Home Time

 

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Throughout the year, children’s learning is enriched through meaningful experiences that build cultural capital and deepen their understanding of the world. These include:

• School trip to the farm
• Visits to the local church
• Welly walks and outdoor learning
• Visits within the local community

 

Working in Partnership with Parents

We see parents and carers as partners in their child’s learning and value the important role you play in supporting your child’s journey. Parental engagement is a key part of our daily and ongoing provision. We provide a wide range of opportunities for families to be actively involved in their child’s learning, including:

• Fine motor workshops
• Phonics Information Evening
• Maths Information Evening
• Reading drop-ins with guidance from teachers
• Phonics “learn along” sessions
• Opportunities for parents to share their occupations and community roles
• Family involvement in cultural celebrations
• Nativity performances
• Open mornings
• Invitations to watch our Charleston performance in the Summer Term

These opportunities help parents feel confident in supporting learning at home and strengthen our school community.

 

Transition into Year One

We believe Year One should be Reception-ready, not the other way around. Staff work closely together to ensure continuity in teaching, environments and expectations.

Why Our Transition Matters

Our carefully planned transition ensures that children feel safe, build strong relationships and are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their education.