Effective transition procedures require careful planning and should be rooted in a clear understanding of young children's social, emotional and intellectual needs.
Leaving a setting and starting a new one can be a daunting and unsettling experience for any child. As much as adults try to 'sell' the forthcoming move as 'exciting' - and a positive approach is important - a child will still be anxious about the move.
Practitioners should give children opportunities to talk about their concerns and to ask questions. Often children's fears will be around practical issues, but adults shouldn't underestimate the emotional wrench for a child of leaving a key worker with whom they have had a close relationship. Each child will need to be supported sensitively by all involved adults throughout the transition process.
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