Transition
Reception to Year 1 transition
At the end of the Summer Term the children in Reception visit their new year 1 classroom and meet their new teachers. Transition from EYFS to Year 1 is a very important time in a child’s development and time in school. We value transition highly at Oasis Academy Shirley Park and therefore plan a smooth and worthwhile transition. At the beginning of Year 1 we continue a play-based curriculum whilst building their independence to complete focused work. Throughout the year the children will develop to the point where they will be working independently on the same task although this will be differentiated for their individual needs. Throughout this transitional period Year 1 staff work in close liaison with Reception staff.
Year 3 to 4 transition
At the end of Year 3 children transfer from the Stroud Green Campus to the Long Lane Campus. At the end of the Summer Term the children in year 3 visit Long Lane to meet their new teachers and get to know the new environment. Children who may find this change more difficult will visit in small groups to help make their transition smooth. We also have an Open Evening in the Summer Term for Year 3 children and parents to visit their new campus, see their classrooms, explore the building and grounds, and meet their teachers and other Long Lane staff.
Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP) / SEN transition
At the end of Year 2, ELP children transfer from the Willow Class to Sycamore Class. At the end of the Summer Term, these children visit Sycamore Class several times to meet their new teachers and get to know the new environment. They will spend some time in Sycamore joining in with lessons. Children who may find this change more difficult will visit more often to help make their transition smooth. We also have an open evening in the summer term for Year 2 children to visit their new classrooms, explore the building and grounds, and meet their teachers. We also provide social story books for parents to share with their children over the holidays – these contain reminders of their new classroom, significant places around the school and important adults that they will be working alongside.
Pupils within mainstream classes that may have SEN or may find the transition more difficult will have extra opportunities to visit Long Lane with Stroud Green staff to ensure a smooth transition. These pupils will also be provided with social story books to share with parents during the holidays.
Partnership
Parental and carer engagement is an essential part of a child’s progress and development and we view the relationship between teachers, parents and carers and children as a triangle where each party plays an equally important role in the child’s educational progress. All parents, carers, children and the Academy sign a Home/School Agreement. This asks parents and carers to commit to a set of principles which underpin the ethos of the school.
Communication
We ensure there are many opportunities for dialogue. Parents and carers are invited into the Nursery and Reception classes at the beginning of each day to settle their child and to help them with an activity. The teachers of Years 1 to 6 arrive on the playground ten minutes before the beginning of every day and also walk the children out at the end of every day so that informal discussions can occur.
If parents or carers have any particular enquiries they are encouraged to talk to the class teacher, Phase Leader or any member of the senior leadership team. If no one from the senior leadership team is available, an appointment can be made via the school office.
In addition, there is a weekly Primary Phase newsletter which is sent by email or can be collected from the office as a hard copy. It provides information about what the children have been doing, as well as future events such as school trips. We send out an annual questionnaire to all parents and carers so that we can take into account all views.