New Entrant Transition to School

Nayland Primary Transition Statement 2026/27

Main purpose - to ensure a smooth, happy transition between early childhood and primary school. 

Process

Step 1 – Check the Enrolment Zone
Before enrolling your child, please ensure your home address falls within the Nayland Primary School enrolment zone. Zoning helps us manage class sizes and maintain high-quality learning experiences for all students.
You can view our enrolment zone map and find full details on our school website or by contacting the school office. If you live outside our zone, you will be required to apply through our out-of-zone enrolment process.

We are not taking any out-of-zone students for 2027.

Step 2 – Contact the School
Once you’ve confirmed your address is within our zone, please contact Carol at the school office to be added to the pre-enrolment list. carol.mann@naylandprimary.school 

We also encourage you to inform your child’s early childhood education (ECE) centre of your school choice, as we work closely with local centres to support smooth transitions.

Step 3 – Transition to School Information
·   Approximately 6 weeks prior to your child starting school the Transition Lead Teacher will contact both you and your child’s ECE. 

·  Teacher/Kaiako will receive the Capabilities Statement from ECE teachers.

·  Transition Lead will visit children at  learning centres in the Stoke region. Outside Stoke, contact with their key teacher will be made to discuss individual children.

·  Learning about the individual child, strengths, challenges, extra support and intervention. 

·  Liaising out of school meetings with Early Intervention agencies and whānau

·  Creating support plans 

·  Meeting with Nayland Kindy regularly to ensure a clear progression of skills and knowledge (eg Pepeha, Handwriting, Self-management)

https://www.naylandprimary.school.nz/enrolments/new-entrant-transition-to-school

Cohort Entry message

At Nayland Primary, we have looked closely at how we can best support every child to make a successful transition to school. Our cohort entry system is designed to ensure children do not have to wait too long to start after their fifth birthday, whilst also ensuring we can effectively support their needs.

There are two start dates  each term. If your child’s birthday falls between weeks 6 and 10 (or during the holidays), your child will start school on day one of the next term (Cohort 1). If your child’s birthday is in weeks 1-5, they will start school on Monday of week 6 (Cohort 2).

Our Transition Programme:     Maranga Manu - Rise Up, Little Bird

We are excited to welcome children who will be starting their school journey with us to join our transition programme. 

·  Currently running weeks 2-3 (cohort 2) and 7-8 (cohort 1) of each term on a Friday from 1.45-2.45.

·  Children start to form positive relationships with their Teacher/Kaiako and peers.

·  Learn about school expectations.

·  Become familiar with the school and class space.

·  Opportunity to welcome whānau, share important information and answer any questions they have.

·  Parents need to stay on site during these visits.

How Maranga Manu will run

Upon arrival, visiting students will be welcomed to join a story time with the current class. After this, children are free to explore a variety of learning and play experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

The Kaiako/Teacher who will become your child’s classroom teacher will be present during this time, allowing them to spend time engaging with your child and talking with you as you experience classroom life together.

* Further information will be shared with you prior to your child starting. 

Class visits

Class visits are separate to our Friday, Maranga Manu sessions. Our visit times allow for students to experience the routines of the class, share in eating kai and playing together with peers. Children and parents are encouraged to attend the two class visits prior to starting school.

·  These will be weeks 4-5 (cohort 2) and 9-10 (cohort 1) of each term on a Tuesday. 

First visit: (week 4/9) from 8:55 - 11  (please bring kai and join us at play)

Second visit: (week 5/10) from 11 - 1  (please bring kai and join us at play)

·  Support children in understanding learning routines of the class.

·  Parents need to stay on site during these visits.

Starting School

A typical school day

9.05: Roll, Wā Whānau, waiata

9.10: Movement break

9.20: Whole class maths

9.30 - 10.15: Small group math lessons (during this time children not working with the teacher will be choosing their own play based learning). 

10.15: Big Book and Morning Kai/food

10.30 - 11am: Outside play on Whenua/junior playground

11am: Whole class literacy

11:15 - 12.45: Small group literacy lessons (during this time children not working with the teacher will be choosing their own play based learning). 

12.45 - 1pm: Lunch Kai with all Whenua students

1pm - 1.30: Outside play on Whenua/junior playground

1.30 - 1.45: Roll, story (and finish kai), pack bags

1.45 - 2.45: Other curriculum areas depending on unit focus

Room 8a, 8b and 13

8a is the classroom space closest to the Library on the tiger turf side. 

8b is the back classroom closest to the senior playground. Both classes share the middle bag hooks/toilet space, as well as the large outdoor play space. 

Access to both classrooms is made through the back gate entrance behind the library.

13 is the classroom closest to the junior sandpit. 

Uniform

Children wear the Nayland Primary school uniform which can be purchased from NZ Uniforms in Richmond. We also have good quality second hand uniforms available to purchase.  Please contact Carol at the office if you have any questions regarding this. Please name ALL items of clothing. 

Stationery

During 2026/27, the school will purchase the majority of school stationary and deliver it to the classroom teacher. There will be a reduced stationary list given to you during Maranga Manu or at the office. 

School lunches

Please ensure your child brings their own drink bottle and lunch to school each day. This will include at least one healthy snack for their morning kai. Please name their lunch box and drink bottle. 

School lunches can also be ordered through the KINDO app. There will be information regarding this and lunch order options in the school newsletter and Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/naylandprimary/

Dual Cohort Start Dates - 2027

Term 1             Week 1 - Wednesday 3rd February

Week 6 - Monday 8th March

Term 2 Week 1 - Tuesday 27th April (ANZAC Day observed Monday 26th)

Week 6 - Monday 31st May

Term 3           Week 1  - Monday 19th  July

Week 6 - Monday 23rd August

Term 4      Week 1 - Monday 11th October 

Week 6 - Monday 15th November

Class teachers - 2026

The teachers in Room 8a and 8b are Ellie McManaway 8A and Loren Richards 8B

You will be informed of your child's class closer to their start date.