Ready or Not, Here I Come

Abstract

A well-developed transition process between the early childhood setting and primary school is important when considering transition to school. This paper reports on an inquiry that focused on the enablers and barriers to a successful transition to school. The inquiry which used case studies at two schools involved interviews with new entrant, kindergarten and early childhood kaiako, parents and Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCOs). Semi-structured interviews allowed participants to share personal knowledge and experience. The importance of inclusion was the common denominator in all interviews and was encompassed within the seven enablers identified: partnerships; communication; fostering relationships; belonging; parental involvement; the sharing of information, and developing a relationship with the tamariki. In this context, inclusion involved all stakeholders having a part to play in the transition process. Inflexibility in systems, poor funding and a lack of continuity around support were identified as barriers to successful transitions. Almost all interviewees shared the view that the process should be led by the tamariki.