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Transition Information Sessions (TIS) for Parents

(Also known as Starting School and Moving On Sessions)

New Video:
Transition Information Sessions Video

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The DCSF produced a new DVD showing examples of how schools are providing access to extended services. The Transition Information Sessions Video includes interviews with head teachers, support workers, co-ordinators and parents featuring:

• Bonus Pater College, Lewisham - using theatre to look at transition issues
• Heavers Farm Primary School, Croydon - focussing on healthy eating
• Lever Park Secondary Special School, Bolton - showing how to involve the whole family
• Rivington and Blackrod High School, Bolton - addressing personal, social and health issues in their sessions
• Shade Primary, West Yorkshire - using science lessons to engage with parents
• St Mark's VA Primary School, North Somerset - giving parents an insight into literacy teaching
• Practitioners' opinions on working with parents during transition

The Starting School project is part of the wider Department for Education and Skills programme for developing parenting support through extended schools. Many families go through a rapid adjustment phase as each child starts school age five, then later moves to secondary school age eleven. There are few opportunities to exchange information and share experiences between parents and schools, especially for families with older children and adolescents. Yet this kind of contact between parents and schools can often be the most reassuring at a time when families may be uncertain about what to expect.

The Transition Information Sessions for parents are one-off events, lasting about an hour but with extra time for any refreshments and informal discussion. These sessions are aimed to:

• Lay the foundations of effective home/school partnerships by welcoming all parents and carers with a child joining the reception class of a primary, secondary, middle or high school.

• Give all parents - mothers, fathers and other carers - information, ideas and an opportunity for discussion about parenting issues including how to keep their child safe, happy and learning.

• Give parents information about local and national services which offer families information, advice, help and support.

TIS contribute to the overall school improvement plan and Ofsted self evaluation form. View or download the School Improvement Know How Guide, the Lessons Learned Report 2006-2008   and the evaluation reports by ECOTEC on Year 1  and Year 2 .

You are welcome to send your feedback by emailing Sarie Keating .