Programme Overview
The Stepping Up Programme is a transition programme designed to support children moving from preschool to primary school.
The programme was developed by the Referral Pathways Sub-Group of Grangegorman ABC and builds on existing partnerships and good practice within our community between early years services and primary schools. Its aims are to:
- Improve children’s readiness for primary school.
- Enhance information sharing between early years settings and primary schools to support a smoother transition.
- Improve outcomes for children during this significant stage of development.
- Reduce anxiety and increase confidence among parents and carers throughout the transition process.
Over the years, the programme has evolved in response to feedback and the ongoing commitment of partners across the consortium. Following the contributions of the Stepping Up Working Group during 2025/2026, the programme now includes the following components:
1. Stepping Up Transition Document
The Stepping Up Transition Document is designed to provide relevant information to support a child’s move from preschool to primary school. The document travels with the child and helps inform their new primary school teacher about any information that may support a successful transition.
The document includes sections completed by the child, parent/carer, and early years educator. It was developed in line with national and international best practice, drawing on research and transition initiatives from Spain, Denmark, and Australia, as well as existing models developed by the Donegal County Childcare Committee and feedback from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).
2. Tip Sheets
- For Families –
- Families receive a range of resources to support them throughout the transition process, including:
- A tip sheet with guidance on choosing a school, accessing supports for children with additional needs, and planning for a successful transition.
- Visual schedules to support morning and evening routines once a child begins primary school.
- A School Readiness Checklist outlining skills that may help children adapt successfully to their new school environment.
- Home Activity Guides containing practical activities that families can do at home to support school readiness and learning.
- For Early Years Educators –
- Early years educators receive:
- A tip sheet outlining their role in the transition process.
- Guidance on other professionals and agencies who may be involved and should be consulted where appropriate.
- A planning checklist to support effective preparation and coordination of transition activities.
- For Primary Schools
- Primary school staff receive:
- A tip sheet outlining their role in supporting children and families during transition.
- Guidance on planning and implementing effective transition practices.
- Information on supporting children with additional needs.
- Suggestions for monitoring and reviewing children’s adjustment once they have started school.
Tip Sheet – Child’s Evening Routine Visual
Tip Sheet – Child’s Morning Routine
Tip Sheet – Home Activities to Support School Readiness
Tip Sheet – Early Years Educators
3. Transition Box
The Stepping Up Transition Box is a one-off resource package provided to participating early years services as part of the 2025/2026 programme implementation.
The contents include:
- Sample school uniforms
- Lunch boxes and water bottles
- Emotion puppets
- Let’s Talk – a resource designed to support emotional literacy and encourage the understanding and use of emotional language
- Individualised social stories for each participating primary school
4. Social Stories
Personalised Social Stories were introduced as part of the programme in 2025/2026 to support children when in-person visits between preschools and primary schools are not possible.
A bespoke social story has been developed for each primary school within the consortium. These stories help children become familiar with their new school environment, daily routines, and what they can expect when they begin primary school.
Social Stories – St Gabriel’s National School
Social Stories – Stanhope Street Primary School
Social Stories – St Paul’s Primary School
Social Stories – Primary School, Goerge’s Hill
Social Stories – Paradise Place ETNS
5. Transition packs
Children attending participating preschools and primary schools receive two transition packs at different stages of the transition process.
Preschool Transition Pack
While still attending preschool, children receive a pack containing:
- A4 whiteboard
- Black whiteboard marker
- Scissors
- Chubby crayons
- Modelling clay
- Push Popper fidget spinner
- Peg board with 200 coloured pegs
Primary School Transition Pack
Upon starting primary school, children receive an additional pack containing:
- Just Cursive Pre-Writing Patterns workbook
- A4 48-page colouring and activity book
- 5-inch right-handed scissors
- Junior Grip Hand Hugger pencil
- Crayola box of 8 crayons
- Play-Doh
6.Books
Children attending participating preschools and primary schools who are transitioning to primary school will receive books at two separate stages during the transition process. These books are intended to support children’s learning, engagement, and confidence as they prepare for and begin their primary school journey.
Programme Evaluation
The Stepping Up Transition Programme is monitored by tracking the number of children transitioning from participating preschools to primary schools, as well as the number of children entering participating primary schools from preschool settings. The distribution of programme resources, including books and transition packs, is also monitored to measure programme reach and engagement.
Current indicators for the 2025/26 programme show participation from 7 preschools and 5 primary schools. A total of 101 children are exiting participating preschools, while 134 children are entering participating primary schools. These figures are not directly comparable, as not all children leaving participating preschools will enrol in participating primary schools, and not all children entering participating primary schools will have attended participating preschools.
An encouraging example of the programme’s impact was shared by an Early Years Educator while programme resources were being distributed. She explained that her granddaughter, who participated in the programme during her ECCE year, still keeps all the resources from her transition pack together and regularly refers to them as her “Crèche Pack.” This anecdote highlights the lasting value and significance of the resources for children as they navigate their transition to primary school.
