Transitions in the Early Years is the ultimate guide to how young children cope emotionally and physically with transitions between key stages and various settings.

This handy resource:

• Includes a clear outline of what transition is, with links to the EYFS framework
• Explains the importance of a key person approach, how to develop the physical environment and how to best work with families during transitions
• Features case studies focusing on a variety of practitioners in different settings
• Supplies resources that support auditing provision and future practice
• Provides examples of transition policies and opportunities to reflect on these.

This title is unique in considering children's transitions between a variety of different settings. Accessible advice is supplemented with resource sheets, case studies and supporting photographs, and a concise breakdown of the theory and research behind transitions.

About the author 

The author of this title, Sue Allingham, has worked in Early Years settings for over twenty years, as a teacher, Early Years Coordinator and currently as a Early Years Adviser. She has a doctorate in Early Childhood Education and is a regular contributor to Early Years Educator magazine.

Reviews

“For anyone who works with children in the early years, this book is a must read … The book is separated into clear sections detailing the background behind research into positive transitions, examples from different types of settings and how to practically apply this to your own setting ... The author gives helpful information and advice on how to write a transition policy, how to audit the way you interact with children and parents to implement positive transitions and also examples of forms to successfully share information with parents to benefit children’s transitions. In the current changing times of the EYFS review, transitions will always be something children need support with so the content will remain appropriate regardless of the government’s changes to the early years framework.” Beth Thomas, Accredited Childminder, Happy Days Childcare

“The book is a useful tool for any early years practitioner as it enables one to reflect on the quality of care within a setting. Key elements are broken down into bullet points followed by a statement or question to keep in mind as each chapter unfolds and links in to policies and documents. These in turn make good discussion points for key meetings or for anyone working in a home-based setting to help them reflect on their practice … I found the case studies refreshing as they were informative and covered problems and covered issues that arise within settings and how practitioners can work to resolve them … This book has enabled me to look more deeply into the meaning of transitions and unpick the subject matter more thoroughly than I could ever have imagined.” Annette Parsons, Childminding Development Worker 

"This clearly set out and well-illustrated book aimed particularly at the crucial transitions between the wide range of early years settings onwards into reception and Key Stage One is long overdue. The central focus is all types of change for young children and the adults who work with them including teachers, classroom staff plus welfare staff, volunteers and administrators … The helpful inclusion of a practical audit to review thinking about transition for young children in order to establish an improvement plan to ensure excellent practice and an enabling environments checklist for adults to audit their enabling environment for children are really constructive … This is a good value practical book for of thought provoking guidance which can be used by a variety of adults working within the early years. A good investment!" Kathryn Solly, Headteacher, Chelsea Open Air Nursery School and Children’s Centre