Growing Confident Learners: Our Transition to School Programme
Starting school is a milestone for every child – and every whānau. At Sugartree Lane Preschool, we see this transition as more than just a step into a new classroom. It’s about ensuring children feel confident, connected, and excited to continue their learning journey.
Starting School, Made Simple
In line with Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, we know that children learn best when they are “competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society”.
Our Transition to School Programme is designed with these aspirations at heart.
To make things easier, we’ve created a simple, practical guide: “Starting School Made Simple.” Packed with tips, checklists, and advice, it’s designed to help families feel confident and prepared for this exciting transition.
[Download your copy here]
Or drop in and see us, we will give you a copy to take with you.
A Programme Designed for Success
Our Centre Manager, Seon, has developed a special programme dedicated to supporting tamariki who are approaching school age. With a thoughtful mix of group games, collaborative tasks, and hands-on activities, children get the chance to practice key skills in a fun, supportive way.
These experiences go beyond early literacy and numeracy – they build resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of teamwork. As the Education Review Office notes, “children’s learning and development in play-based contexts is supported through caring, learning-focused partnerships”. Seon’s programme reflects this by weaving playful learning with purposeful preparation.
Learning Together with Whānau
Transitions work best when tamariki, parents, whānau, and teachers walk the journey together. At Sugartree Lane, we invite families to share their aspirations and stories, weaving them into our curriculum. This reflects Te Whāriki’s principle of Whānau Tangata – the importance of family and community.
Practical Skills for Confident Starters
Our preschoolers have opportunities to:
Practice self-help skills such as organising their belongings and managing routines.
Build confidence through group games and problem-solving activities.
Develop early literacy and numeracy in fun, engaging ways – from storytelling circles to counting games.
Strengthen social skills by working as part of a team, taking turns, and celebrating each other’s successes.
Explore curiosity and creativity, laying the foundation for critical thinking.
These experiences help children enter school with confidence in both their learning and their sense of belonging.
Walking the Path Ahead
Transitions can be big, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. Thanks to Seon’s tailored programme, our near-school-age tamariki leave Sugartree Lane Preschool ready to embrace the adventure of school – eager, capable, and secure in themselves.
As one of our guiding values from Te Whāriki reminds us: “Children are confident in their identity, language and culture as citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand”.
And that’s exactly what we aim for – confident, curious lifelong learners.
