Transitions

Key kaiako will welcome and support new whānau and tamariki during transition visits and offer a home visit.

Home visits are undertaken with the knowledge of the CM. The staff member going will give the time they are leaving and returning and the address they are visiting for safety purposes.
Kaiako will respond to the unique needs and aspirations of whānau and work with whānau to ensure whānau and Tamariki feel supported to sustain their identity, language and culture.
Whānau will be encouraged to stay during transition visits until the tamaiti and whānau feel settled. Over the course of the settling visits whānau will be encouraged spend time in the staff room to allow relationships to be built with their tamaiti.
Transition visits will begin with an hour and build up to a full session over the course of a week prior to formally starting in the centre.
At the beginning of each session kaiako will welcome tamariki and whānau to the centre by name, show them how to sign in and will be available for informal sharing of information.
All tamariki must be brought into the centre and not dropped off in the entrance way.
Kaiako must be informed when the whānau is leaving
Kaiako will be aware if any tamaiti shows signs of distress when the whānau leaves and will provide comfort and support. Kaiako will keep in touch with whānau via txt and Educa once they have left the centre.
At the end of each session kaiako will again be available to discuss informally the tamaiti day.

Whānau and tamariki will be notified and kept informed about the likelihood and timing of transition 6 weeks prior to transitions starting.
Consultation with whānau will be undertaken to form relationships and gather information about whānau aspirations for the transitions.

Key kaiako for individual tamaiti e.g. (Profile Book Kaiako, Primary Caregivers) will meet with whānau, to discuss the transition needs for their tamaiti. During this meeting an exchange of information will be shared (including name, date of birth, whānau’ names, and any allergies as well as individual and group routines). This information will then be shared at staff meetings.
In preparation for transition, kaiako will support tamariki to develop the skills necessary for success in the new learning environment. This includes daily visits to promote familiarity with people, place and things and new routines. The first visit(s) into the over 2s space will be done with the key Kaiako of each tamaiti before the new key kaiako takes over supporting the transition visits.
Kaiako will recognise that for some tamariki the transition process is more difficult. As these times arise, all kaiako will be flexible and respect individual tamariki preferences allowing them to freely go between both areas.
Kaiako will maintain familiar routines such as eating, toileting and nappy changing during the transition process. Two weeks prior to officially transitioning the tamaiti will begin drop offs, care routines, sleep and kai in the over 2s space.

Information will be available to whānau about local school to support them in making the right choice for their tamaiti. A wall display in the foyer will enable whānau to view information about each school, see the classrooms and who else attends each school.
Kaiako will talk with tamariki about school and all that it encompasses so that it becomes a familiar and enjoyable process. Where possible key Kaiako will accompany each tamaiti on one school visit.
Prior to attending school, kaiako will encourage self-help skills, and respect for self, other and environment.
Kaiako will consult with whānau to ensure pre-entry school visits are arranged.
Kaiako will be available to discuss with whānau any concerns or expectations they may have in regards to the transition to school process.
The centre will celebrate each tamaiti last day of attendance, and their documented learning journey will be given to the whānau.
Tamariki and their families involved in transition to school will be encouraged to share assessment documentation with the new entrant kaiako to support the transition process

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