Transition from Preschool to Primary school Project Oct 2021-June 2022
Dear Colleagues,
I hope that the first few days of school have gone smoothly for you, your staff and pupils.
You may recall receiving communication from me at the end of the school year informing you about a collaborative project on Transition from Preschool to Primary that the Education Centre Directors in Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Carrick-on-Shannon (covering Leitrim, Roscommon and Longford) in collaboration with the County Childcare Committee Managers in these counties are offering in the school year 2021-2022.
The Department inspectors and NCCA are very supportive of this project and are encouraging schools and preschools to get involved. DES referenced it in their communication to schools in June (see attached)
The overall aim of the initiative is to foster good relationships between the practitioners in both sectors to ensure that every child transitions successfully. We have consulted with and been advised by both the DES inspectorate and the NCCA during the planning of this project. They are very supportive of it and feel that it is an area that needs to be developed.
As a result of taking part in the project, participants will
Gain an understanding of the curricula/framework/methodologies both pre-school and infant classes
Establish good relationships between their partner preschools/primary schools
Examine current challenges & opportunities in the transition space
Agree protocols for the sharing of information between both settings
Formulate a number of practical strategies to ease the transition process for all stakeholders
Note: In order to participate, a partnership of at least one Junior Infant teacher and one preschool practitioner from feeder schools is required. It is also essential that the Principal/Preschool Leader (Manager) is aware and supportive of your involvement in this project. A maximum of 15 partnerships per Education centre catchment area will be accepted for the first year of this initiative.
The project will involve participating in a professional network that will meet approximately 5 times during the school year 2021-2022, after school hours over Zoom. However, depending on Government health guidelines relating to the pandemic, there may be an opportunity to have at least one face-to-face session.
There will also be a number of cross-sectoral CPD webinars on topics identified by the participants.
During the year, the partnerships will be expected to create their own transition experience which is relevant to their unique context. Ongoing assistance and advice will be provided to make this a positive experience for all involved.
Please fill out the expression of interest form attached and return it by email to the Director of Carrick-on-Shannon Education Centre (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by Wed 29th Sept 2021.
I hope that you will consider taking part in what should be a very worthwhile initiative.
If you have any questions about it please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email. (My contact details are below)
Kind regards and best wishes for a successful school year.
Karen Devine
Director
