Moving into KS2

Moving into KS2 (or ‘Juniors’ as we used to call it)

By Vicki Watson BEd

Year 3 heralds the start of KS2 – for some it’s just a move along the corridor, for others it’s a new building within school or even a new school. Either way, it’s the beginning of a new period in schooling and often the most important question is – where are the toilets?!

This year will bring many more questions for all children. Most of them will have met their new teacher for a short time, either in small groups outside or on Zoom and some will have seen them round school ‘back in the day’!

But what are they coming back to?

In a nutshell:

• The classrooms will be set out in rows with everyone facing the front.
• Children will have individual or paired resources. The general rule will be to stay in their seats and respect other people’s space.
• They will be expected to stay in their class or year group bubbles with staggered arrival times and playtimes. Hand washing will be frequent.
• Because there will be limited contact between adults as well, it will mean that they see less teachers than before.
• A comfort to some but a worry to others – especially those who rely on being able to see older siblings at break times.

As a parent, what can you do?

• A lot of schools have sent out Transition Booklets at the beginning of the holidays but don’t worry if yours hasn’t.
• Talk to your child about who they are and what their strengths are – tell them we are all in the same boat.
• Find their ‘brave’…..

• Set some goals to help get back into a routine – devise a timetable and organise ‘back to school’ stationery, etc.
• Talk about what is going to be the same and what will be different.
• Get them to voice and face their worries by writing them down and feeding them to a ‘Worry Monster’ or a ‘Worry box’. Encourage them to share.
• Create a little jar of memories about lockdown. Write down all the positives so they can be reminders for when you or your children are having a wobble.
• Read, read, read. Share books where both of you can read to the other and not just at bedtime.
• Have faith that school will catch them up with everything else.
• Pastoral care will be at the forefront of every year group and your teachers are there to help your children discover the new normal. Share with them and they will share back. Together, the world will become a safer place again for your children.