Yr6 Transition Information From Bucks

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Dear Parents and Carers
 
Information on the Buckinghamshire Transition Days 2021
 
With the end of the summer term fast approaching, it is almost time for Year 6 children to say goodbye to their primary school and begin preparing for life in Year 7.  This transition from primary to secondary school is a key time in every pupil’s school career and creating a smooth transition is vital to ensure your child gets the best possible start in their new school. 
 
It is therefore very important that all Year 6 pupils get the opportunity to visit their new secondary schools before the end of the summer term in primary school so that they can experience their new surroundings, get a feeling for what life at secondary school will be like and familiarise themselves with the new routines and procedures of a significantly larger school.  The transition day school visit can really help allay some of the concerns that all children have when making this big step and provide reassurance for Year 6 pupils over the summer holidays.
 
This year, transition days across Buckinghamshire will be slightly different, to ensure that all pupils, staff and families remain safe.  Secondary schools are now expert at planning Covid secure pupil attendance on their school sites and have successfully minimised Covid spread in their schools during the whole pandemic. Each secondary school will use this expertise to carefully risk assess your child’s visit and will ensure:

• The formulation of Year 6 pupil bubbles, which will be set up as separate class bubbles.
• Specific staggered start and end times for the Year 6 pupils.
• All activities will be compliant with the current Covid requirements.
• Year 6 pupils will spend time outdoors where possible, and when inside will be in separate, well-ventilated areas.
• Face masks will be worn as per current government guidance.
• All pupils and staff will continue to be advised to clean their hands thoroughly and more often than usual.
• Enhanced cleaning of the building and equipment.
• Maintaining social distancing between class bubbles, members of staff and other pupils in the school.

We are asking all parents, carers and families to also play their part to ensure that the Year 6 transition days are safe for everyone involved.  To this end, we request that you respect the staggered start and end of day arrangement, which will be outlined for you by the secondary school which your child will be visiting.  We also ask that you ensure that your drop off and collection arrangements are COVID secure, and that you respect all social distancing regulations.
 
Please can we remind you to only take your child to a transition day of the school where they have been offered, and you have accepted, a place for September.  We regret to inform you that, should a child be brought to a school at which they have not been offered a place, parents will be requested to collect the child from that school. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
 
A great resource to support both parents and children with this new step is Starting secondary school - BBC Bitesize.  Please do contact either your child’s current teacher or their new school if there is any additional information that you or your child need to ensure that they have a successful and safe transition day.
 
Thank you for your support to keep the pupils of Buckinghamshire safe, and we wish your child an exciting, engaging and enjoyable transition day.
 
Yours faithfully,
 
 
Simon James                                               Dan Flecknoe
Service Director – Education                    Public Health Consultant
Buckinghamshire Council                         Buckinghamshire Council

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