Transitions

Evidence shows that effective transitions to school contribute to children’s long-term learning and development. While the importance of transitions to school is recognised in policy and practice across Australia, more can be done to build shared understandings of what effective transitions involve.

How do we know if a transition is effective?

A successful transition has taken place when a child and their family feel a sense of belonging in their new school community, and when this is recognised by teachers and educators. A sense of belonging can assist many aspects of children’s learning and development, including their emerging sense of identity, wellbeing, and engagement with school.

Transitions to school are complex

Transitions are a process that takes time, starting and extending well beyond the first day of school. They involve collaboration between teachers, educators and leaders in early childhood services and schools, as well as partnerships with children and families. Every child and family experiences transition to school in a unique way, with no one-size-fits-all approaches.

Why measure transitions to school?

Measurement assists educators, teachers and policymakers to:

identify and celebrate practices that contribute to effective transitions
monitor and evaluate the transition process to identify where practices can be enhanced or improved
ensure multiple perspectives are heard through each transition experience
promote conversations about effective transitions between stakeholders to generate partnerships, and shared understandings and responsibility.

AERO's Measuring effective transitions discussion paper

Measuring effective transitions to school

Our transitions discussion paper outlines 3 constructs that can be measured to determine the effectiveness of transitions and children and families’ sense of belonging. These include measuring children’s capabilities; evaluating teacher and educator practices; and monitoring the local community, policy influences and children’s transitions over time.

Read discussion paper

Two young children, about 4 or 5 years old, sitting at a desk with a pen and book

The importance of school transitions article

Children’s transitions from early childhood education and care (ECEC) to school can have lasting effects on their learning and development.

Read article

Next steps

We are working with teachers and educators in early childhood services and schools to further understand effective transitions to school, and how a sense of belonging can be supported for all children. This will help build shared understandings of effective transitions, and support collaboration.

We've also developed evidence syntheses and practical resources to assist teachers and educators working in schools and early childhood services, including outside school hours care (OSHC).