Dear Parents and Carers,

Today, your child spent some valuable time with their new class teacher and settled into their upcoming setting for the next academic year. This transition day is a vital step in providing positive and thoughtful support as the children prepare to move up.  They will stay with their new teachers and classes until Friday only.

Placing 315 pupils into new classes is always a significant challenge that requires balancing a wide range of factors. Please be assured that all placements are deeply considered by our teaching team to ensure the best possible learning environment for every child.

While we understand the importance of peer relationships and do take friendship groups into consideration, they are ultimately just one factor among many that we must weigh. Because each class is a carefully balanced puzzle, any single placement change has a wide, rolling impact on many other children. For this reason, class placements are final and we are unable to accommodate requests for changes at this time.

Supporting Your Child Through Transition

If your child is feeling anxious or worried about their new placement, we ask for your partnership in supporting them. You can help by encouraging them to understand that:

• New connections are coming: They will have wonderful opportunities to make new friends.

• Playtimes remain shared: They will still mix and play with their existing friendship groups during break times and on the playground.

• Growth happens in new environments: Being placed in an unanticipated group ultimately opens up more opportunities for personal and social growth.

Our Shared Experience

Please be reassured that we have many years of experience in managing this transition. In the vast majority of cases, our families are incredibly happy with how the year unfolds. Even when children are initially worried or hesitant, they almost always settle in quickly and thrive once the new academic year begins.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and partnership as we work to make this transition as smooth and successful as possible for all of our pupils.

Warm regards,