6 Leadership Strategies to Support Smooth Starts for New Joiners

Starting primary school is a major milestone for young children and their families. A positive transition experience can set the tone for a child’s entire school journey, influencing their confidence, engagement, and wellbeing. School leaders play a crucial role in championing smooth starts by shaping welcoming environments, supporting staff, and fostering strong partnerships.

Below are six practical strategies which leaders can adopt to support new entrants effectively:

 

1. Foster a Welcoming and Inclusive Culture

From the first contact with families to the initial days of school, it’s essential to create an environment where children and parents feel valued and respected. This includes clear, friendly communication, opportunities to meet staff before starting, and visible celebration of diversity. Small gestures, such as welcome signs, personalised messages, or themed induction events, can help children settle and feel connected.

 

2. Encourage Collaborative Staff Planning and Reflection

Regular team meetings focused on transition experiences allow staff to share what’s working and where challenges lie. Encouraging reflective practice and peer support helps embed effective routines and build a shared understanding of children’s needs. This approach leverages existing staff knowledge and strengthens professional collaboration without incurring costs.

 

3. Build Strong Partnerships with Families and Early Years Providers

Effective transitions rely on open communication and cooperation between schools, families, and early years settings. Sharing information about each child’s interests, strengths, and anxieties allows tailored support. Joint activities, such as orientation sessions or opportunities for families to come into the setting together, all foster trust and reassurance, easing the move to school.

 

4. Embed Storytelling and Play-Based Learning

Storytelling and play are powerful tools for children to express feelings, develop language, and build social skills. Integrating these methods into everyday practice creates safe spaces for children to explore new experiences and build resilience. Leaders can encourage staff to use familiar stories and role play as part of transition activities.

 

5. Prioritise Emotional Wellbeing and Social Connections

Recognising that starting school can be emotionally challenging, leaders should ensure wellbeing is a core focus. This includes training staff to spot signs of anxiety, facilitating buddy systems, and creating routines that help children feel secure and supported socially.

 

6. Continuously Gather Feedback and Adapt Practices

Smooth transitions require ongoing evaluation. Encouraging feedback from children, families, and staff provides insight into what helps and what could improve. Leaders who foster a culture of learning and adaptation enable their schools to refine transition approaches year on year.

By leading with empathy and practical strategies, schools can ensure every new entrant experiences a positive, confident start to their education journey. Supporting smooth starts not only benefits children but builds stronger school communities ready to thrive together.