Transitions to school and moving settings
When a child leaves your setting, whether they are starting school, moving to another childminder, or joining a nursery, you play an important role in making that transition as smooth as possible.
Good transitions are not just about paperwork. They are about making sure the next person in a child's life has what they need to carry on the excellent care you have already built.
What the EYFS requires
The EYFS requires you to share relevant information when a child moves to a new setting. This includes:
A written transition summary: a concise account of the child's progress, interests, and any areas of development to be aware of
Details of any ongoing support: SEND involvement, referrals in progress, or outside agency work
Using the learning journal
Your child's learning journal in the tiney app records their development across all seven areas of the EYFS. When a child moves on, the journal is your best resource for writing a meaningful transition summary.
A good summary does not need to be long. Aim for a few focused paragraphs covering:
Where the child is developmentally across the key areas
What they love doing, what motivates them, what they find tricky
Anything the next setting should know about their routine, health, or support needs
ℹ️ If a child is moving to another tiney childminder, contact the tiney team about the best way to share observations from the learning journal.
Children starting school: the EYFS Profile
For children in the year they turn 5 (the final year of the EYFS), the reception teacher will complete an EYFS Profile. Your observations and knowledge of the child are a valuable contribution.
Contact the school in the spring or early summer term to find out whether and how they would like information from you. Many schools actively welcome a conversation with the child's childminder.
Children with SEND
If a child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, or has been supported through the SEND graduated approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review), share all relevant documentation with the new setting and, if the child is starting school, with the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).
⚠️ You must have parental consent before sharing any information about a child with another professional or setting. Check this is in place before you send anything.
Saying goodbye well
Transitions can be emotionally significant for children and for you. Give children time to talk about the change, read picture books about starting school, and help them feel ready and excited rather than anxious.
Some childminders create a small memory book or print favourite photos from the learning journal as a keepsake for the child and family. Families often treasure these for years.