INFORMATION TO SHARE WITH FAMILIES
Best Start School Age Grant
The Best Start Grant School Age Payment is a £250 payment made around the time a child normally starts Primary 1. It is open to people who get tax credits or certain benefits and are a parent or carer of a child born between 1 March 2016 and 28 February 2017.
People are encouraged to apply online athttps://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods or by calling 0800 182 2222
If eligible you can also apply for Scottish Child Payment and other Best Start Grant payments at the same time.
“Transitions and changes are part of everyone’s life. The vast majority of children and Young People look forward to moving on. However, transitions can be challenging and support from parents and staff can help transitions go more smoothly.”
Children should experience a smooth educational and emotional transition from one phase of their journey to the next, ensuring that they have a positive experience. ‘How good is our Early Learning and Childcare?’ (Education Scotland: 2017) emphasises the significant impact that these transitions can have on children and their families. It also highlights the importance of all those involved having a shared understanding of, and responsibility for, the process of transition.
“Putting children and their families at the heart of decision making, is a central feature of Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) -the Government's national approach that aims to improve outcomes for all children and young people in Scotland. Our approach underpins all of our work with children and young people and plays a fundamental part in realising the Scottish Government's goal of giving all our children and young people the best possible start in life”
(OECD, 2017:19)
A high quality transition process is underpinned by Getting it Right for Every Child and the 6 Nurture Principles . It:
Ensures everyone is welcomed and that there is an atmosphere which is open, caring and friendly putting the children and their families at the heart of all transition arrangements.
Is a continuous transition process, rather than a series of events, where children’s wellbeing is paramount and they are treated as individuals.
Encourages children to develop their own ideas, thoughts and opinions and include this within the transition process.
Has an ethos where adults are sensitive to children’s different traits, personalities, likes and dislikes.
Collaborates with significant people around the child.
Ensures continuity and progression in learning within and beyond the setting.
Building High Quality Foundations
Anticipated January 2025
How effectively do our processes for settling in new children support them and their parents/carers to become familiar with their surroundings?
How effectively do we engage with parents/carers, children and other agencies to build up a clear picture of the child?
What examples do we have of transitions being adapted to suit individual needs and circumstances? What difference has this made for children and families?
How well do we work with parents/carers and with partners in other agencies to plan transitions for children who require additional support?
Have staff started to build positive relationships with families before the children start school?
Does the environment, resources available and routines meet the needs of the incoming cohort?
Does the school/setting provide families with opportunities to meet other families?
What does the setting/ school expect from parent/ carers?