Transitions
Starting school is an exciting time but it is also a really big step into the unknown so getting off to a good start is important. That’s why we have a comprehensive transition programme in place.
We work with parents, carers and early years settings to make our new reception starters’ first impressions of school positive and inspiring.
In the June/July prior to starting in September, the transition into Reception includes:
• Staff from early years and childcare settings share information about the children with Burwell Reception teachers.
• New starters attend morning or afternoon session in school.
• One-to-one meetings take place with a member of the Reception team.
• Parents and children are invited for lunch with us.
• An information evening if held for parents and carers to find out about our curriculum, uniform and wrap around care.
Guidance published in April 2026, ‘Supporting a smooth transition into reception’ aligns with the sector-led Kindred Squared Starting Reception materials for parents and carers, provides clear, consistent language, expectations and advice to support families and practitioners through the transition into school.
From Reception to Year 6
Once the children have officially joined the school, the transition continues.
Towards the end of the summer term, children spend transition days with their new teacher in their new classroom. During the transition days, the class will:
- Discuss expectations.
- Learn about the class responsibilities.
- Individually read to their new teacher.
- Complete phonics, spelling, writing and maths activities.
- Discover the focus for their learning in science and theme (geography and history) during the autumn term.
- Set a choice of three homework tasks, linked to theme, to be completed over the summer holidays.
- Make art, DT, music and cultural capital choices for their learning in the autumn term.
After the transition days, current class teachers meet with the new class teacher to discuss each pupil.
From Year 6 to High School
During the children’s last year at Burwell Village College Primary School, a number of events take place in order to ensure a smooth transition.
- Bottisham Village College typically hosts its primary Open Evening for prospective Year 6 pupils in early October, accompanied by morning tours throughout the month.
- Soham Village College hosts its main Open Evening in late September, followed by bookable Open Mornings in early October.
- Pupils attend a STEM day at Bottisham Village School with their Year 6 teachers.
- Pupils attend a Maths Roadshow at Soham Village College with their Year 6 teachers.
- Leaders from the high schools visit pupils at BVC to talk about beginning Year 7.
- Pupils attend transition sessions or days at their high school during the summer term.
- Year 6 teachers share information with all high schools.
- Our SENDCo meets with each high school SENDCo.
- Well-being support is put in place for individuals or groups where appropriate.