The Brilliant Transitions for All guidance and resources were launched last week, as part of Bedford Borough Council’s dedication to ensuring all children have a successful transition to Reception and Year One at school.
Bedford Borough Council has spent the last 18 months working with children, families, schools, charities, and a range of health and education professionals to create a wide range of resources. The culmination of that work was celebrated at a special event at Borough Hall.
Brilliant Transitions for All is designed to ensure every transition in the early years is successful and unique to each child. Resources are available so that all families and all children are ready for the transition to school, and child voice has been captured and celebrated within the resources. There are further resources for Early Years settings, schools, governors and committee members to ensure successful transition for all.
The project has also made sure that the needs of SEND children and those with other additional needs are at the heart of the work.
A highlight of the launch evening was the premiere of the film created by Bedford College students and primary school children, which you can watch at https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/kb5/bedford/directory/service.page?id=Y5fVEUo6uew&localofferchannel=8
All of the resources and documents can be downloaded from the Bedford Borough Local Offer and Best Start Bedford websites at https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/kb5/bedford/directory/home.page. Click on the 0-4 and 5-10 year old age group and select the transition tile for full access.
Cllr Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Family, Education, Children’s Services said; “This is a fantastic piece of work, which has brought together so many families, educators, and other professionals from across the borough.
“One key inclusion is the questions for families to consider when choosing a school or early years setting. That is something parents and carers have been asking for, and their input helped us to ensure it was included when we were creating this.
“It’s so important that children have a smooth transition to Reception and Year One, and this will help ensure children can get every bit of support in getting firm foundations starting their journey through school.”
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton said; “One of the most impressive pieces about this is how it has put children with SEN and other additional needs at its centre – this is about supporting every child in our borough.
“I know that a lot of hard work has gone into creating this, from a lot of people, both at Bedford Borough Council and our partners. It is something that will benefit children, families, and schools for many years to come.”