TDA 2.1

3.1 and 3.2

3.1 & 3.2
All children and young people experience transitions in their life. Transitions occur when they move from one place to another or their life changes in such a way that it is different. This experience or movement can be managed to make the process as painless as possible for the child. Schools are adept at managing transitions because they have procedures in place and a range of experienced personnel to call on who can help lessen any trauma to the child.

Some transitions are planned which means the vast majority of children will experience them. When moving through school, children will change classes each year. This is a transition - moving up a class. The vast majority will also change schools at age 11 and move into secondary education. This is a large change and the transition needs to be managed carefully.

There are, however, some transitions that are unexpected. These can include bereavement or illness. A school should have experience of these types of transitions but has resources available to it to seek advice and ensure the child receives all the help and support it needs at a difficult time.

Below is a list of transition stages, both planned and unexpected, that all or some children will experience from birth to 19.

TRANSITION
All
Some/Most
Potty training
New sibling
Leaving full-time care (for example starting nursery or being left with a child minder)
'Blended' family - this may include the child's parents divorcing
Starting primary school and changing classes in primary school
Moving house - this may include immigration, emigration or eviction
Moving from primary to secondary school
Financial changes - parent may become unemployed resulting in change of household lifestyle
Puberty - should start in early teens but can start as young as 8 or 10 in girls
Absent parent - some children experience a parent who works away from home for long periods such as soldiers or a long distance lorry driver
First sexual experience
Illness - affecting either the child or their parent or a sibling

The child may see or suffer itself from abuse or domestic violence resulting in its removal from home into foster care or to live with relatives

Pregnancy - the child may become pregnant

Sexuality - the child may discover their sexuality

3.3

For most, but not all children, having a new sibling is a wonderful experience. However, from the first announcement of the pregnancy a transition begins. The child may have been an only child. There may be a large age gap. Now they will have to share their parents and toys. This can be very upsetting and lead to tears and tantrums, depending on the child's age. Parents are often aware of this potential upset and talk to the child (or children) about the new arrival. They may show books and photographs to encourage acceptance. They encourage the child to be a part of the new baby, perhaps choosing a name or helping with choosing toys or nursery decoration.

Some children experience abuse and domestic violence in their life. They may be the person who is