Preschool Transition Forms

[Francesca1234]

I've just received my transition form from my son's preschool to his Primary School and it doesn't create a very good impression of him at all. I'm really nervous about giving it to his new school teacher. I was just wondering how important these forms are and whether legally you have to pass them on or if the shredder is a better place for it!

I have tried talking to the preschool about it, but I'm starting to think we're on different planets.

I'd appreciate any views on this.
Thanks,

[insancerre]

I would pass it on.
Remember the preschool will have had a different relationship with your DC than you have.
The teacher will form their own opinion on him but it is useful to have an unbiased view from his previous setting
At our setting we have meetings with the reception teachers before we send any documents to give them the lowdown on each child.
I then write a 13 page transition document thatthe parents read and sign and then I hand it over to the teacher before the end of term
Legally you don't have to but it seems a shame not to pass it on, considering someone has spent time and effort writing it.
What does it say that you disagree with?

[Francesca1234]

Thanks for your reply,

I think what is frustrating about the report is that it refers to some small problems he has had during his year there, but which he has subsequently overcome. However, it speaks as if he is still having them.

The problems were worked on and solved by using an IEP. The IEP is the first thing that is mentioned on the form. Instead of going into detail about the IEP it just states that he has 'social and emotional problems'. The original issue was in no way as great as is described by this heading and has been solved anyway.

We worked very closely with the preschool over this and are a little taken aback that it is going to be the first thing a new teacher reads, especially without a comment that it has been solved.

[teacherlikesapples]

If he is no longer on an IEP (and came off it quite a while ago) and the issues are completely resolved, it doesn't seem relevant to include it. Surely all children have resolved issues during their time, learnt more than when they first started and behave differently to when they first began!?!

If the issues are still happening on occasion, it's different. I have written statements in my reports like 'X is developing the necessary skills to resolve conflicts independently- and has made great progress in this area." As transition times can be a time for social & emotional difficulties to regress a little, so it can be helpful for the future teacher to know that this has been an issue in the past, what was helpful, what triggers the behaviour etc...

I would seek some clarification from the previous teacher as to why they felt the need to include apparently resolved issues. It seems unfair to me unless they are still experiencing the issues.

[Francesca1234]

Thanks for your message,

I'll speak to the preschool again and try and clarify it. I have found it a little difficult to understand how they work all along as they often use jargon or abbreviations. I only recently found out that an IEP is only used for some children, I had assumed before that every child had one!

I'm hoping to be a little more savvy when he starts school, but would like to get this transition document accurate to set him off in the best way.