Transition

Supporting New Pupils Who Join Tilstock CE Primary School Mid-Term

At Tilstock CE Primary School, we understand that transferring to a new school outside the usual entry points can be a significant change for children – emotionally, socially, and academically. Our priority is to ensure that every child feels settled, safe, and valued from the moment they arrive.

We want all pupils to Achieve, Belong, and Thrive through our school values of Nurture, Hope, Joy, Aspire, Respect, and Achieve. These values underpin everything we do and guide the way we welcome and support new pupils.

To make this transition positive, we have developed our Soft-Landings Programme, which runs during the first six weeks of your child’s time with us. This programme provides a nurturing and structured start, helping your child feel confident and happy in their new environment.

What does the Soft-Landings Programme include?

• Weekly Check-ins: Your child will have regular one-to-one sessions with a trusted adult to talk about how they are feeling and settling in.
• Class Buddy System: We pair each new pupil with a friendly classmate who helps them navigate daily routines and make connections.
• Learning Mentor Sessions: These sessions explore your child’s likes, dislikes, attitudes to learning, and friendships, ensuring we understand them as an individual.
• Academic Baseline Assessments: We carry out initial assessments in reading, writing, spelling, and maths so that we can tailor teaching to meet your child’s needs from the start.
• Individualised Support: We recognise that every child is unique and may have Special Educational Needs or other barriers to learning. Our team works together to build a full picture of your child and create a bespoke plan to support them effectively.

We will keep you updated regularly on your child’s progress and wellbeing, and we are always available to offer additional support where needed. At Tilstock, we believe that every child matters – and we are committed to making their transition a positive and successful experience.

Our Booklet for New Starters

Secondary School Links

Students leaving Tilstock C of E Primary School and Nursery at the end of Key Stage 2 usually join Sir John Talbot’s School in Whitchurch to continue their educational journey.