Early Years 

Transition, Growth & Looking Ahead

This week, the children had the exciting opportunity to meet their new teachers and begin thinking about the next stage of their school journey. Transition can bring a mixture of emotions, including excitement, curiosity, and sometimes uncertainty—all of which are completely normal.

These moments also give us a chance to reflect on how much the children have grown throughout the year. Many who began the year needing reassurance are now more confident, independent, and ready to embrace new challenges.

In school, we support transition by talking positively about change, building familiarity, and helping children feel safe and secure.

At home, you might try: Talking with your child about their new class and encouraging them to share how they are feeling. Ask your child one thing they are excited about for next year and one thing they would like to know more about.

Inclusion 

Click on the link to access the Padlet: 

https://padlet.com/agohil5/the-wood-end-primary-school-inclusion-toolkit-b8sdiw0559h1jd1b

Monday, 29th June

Handwriting, Keyboarding & Using My Hands (In-Person) | 9:30 AM

• • Location: Jubilee Gardens Medical Centre (UB1 2TJ)

  • How to Sign Up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ealing-nhs-paediatric-occupational-therapy-115818879481

Coordination and Using My Body (Online) | 11:15 AM BST

• • How to Sign Up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ealing-nhs-paediatric-occupational-therapy-115818879481

Tuesday, 30th June

Attention & Participation for Pre-Schoolers (In-Person) | 9:30 AM

• • Location: Mattock Lane Health Centre (W13 9NZ)

  • How to Sign Up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ealing-nhs-paediatric-occupational-therapy-115818879481

Pre-Writing & Using My Hands (Online) | 11:15 AM BST

• • How to Sign Up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ealing-nhs-paediatric-occupational-therapy-115818879481

Ongoing Children's Centre Groups: Talk & Play at South Acton (9:30 AM) and Fun & Learn at Limetrees (2:00 PM).

Wednesday, 1st July

Ealing Toileting Programme Workshop (Online) | 12:00 PM

• • Details: Run by the Ealing Mental Health Support Team and School Readiness Team to support parents of primary-aged children with toilet training strategies.

  • How to Sign Up: Email Ealing.mhst@nhs.net verbatim to express interest. A Microsoft Teams link will be emailed to you a few days prior.

Ongoing Children's Centre Groups: Talk & Play sessions at John Perryn (10:00 AM), Windmill Park (1:00 PM), Hanwell/Perivale (1:00 PM), and Fun & Learn at Hanwell/Perivale (1:30 PM).

Group Chats and Messaging apps:

What parents need to know

Group chats can be a great way for children to stay in touch with friends, but they can also present challenges. Messages are often sent quickly, without time to think, and misunderstandings can escalate rapidly. Unkind comments, exclusion from groups, sharing of inappropriate content, or pressure to join conversations can all have a significant impact on children's wellbeing.

Many parents are surprised to learn how quickly children can be added to large group chats or exposed to conversations that are not appropriate for their age. It is important to remember that even if your child is not actively contributing, they may still be seeing content that makes them uncomfortable or upset. Regularly checking who your child is communicating with online and talking openly about their experiences can help identify concerns early.

We encourage families to discuss expectations around messaging apps, including being respectful online, leaving conversations that feel uncomfortable, and speaking to a trusted adult if something worries them. As with all aspects of online safety, supervision, communication and clear boundaries are key to keeping children safe.

More guidance: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/social-media/chat-apps/

Chris Best