Page 89 - PSPS: A Training guide

Unit 9 Environments

Introduction

‘Moving from preschool to primary school is not as easy as ABC. For children, it needs to
be carefully planned and explained…….They need to know what their new building looks
like, how their classroom will be laid out and where they will hang their little coats. This
takes time and it takes thought’
(Mary, Early Years Practitioner)

Learning environments, both indoor and outdoor, should be motivating and appealing
to all children. Children have different interests, needs and background experiences,
and the materials, equipment and activities that their educational setting provides for
them should be reflective of this diversity. Providing an environment where a child is
encouraged and supported to have a positive sense of identity and belonging is critical
to her/his success as a learner. Similarly, there is an evident link between the
environment and the interactions that take place within it. The environment, therefore,
requires careful consideration during the transition process, in order to support
relationships, play and curriculum.
Learning Objectives

This unit is designed to help you understand:

The key role that the indoor and outdoor environments play in supporting every
young child’s transition from preschool to primary school

Your role in bridging the distance between a child’s familiar environment and their
new one.

By using this unit as part of your training to support transitions, you will be able to
understand how and why:
Joining the dots between a child’s home, preschool and new school
environments is key to making their transition successful and enjoyable
The importance of creating accessible and inclusive spaces for all children

The materials, equipment and activities used in and between the Early Years/
preschool and primary school environments can support the child’s transition
process

Parents and families need to be visible and welcome in both the preschool and
school environments
What do we mean when we say ‘environments’?

Environments simply mean the spaces that we occupy, whether indoor or outdoor.
This includes the physical space (i.e. a building) as well as the activities and
interactions that take place within them.
As adults, our most common environments are our homes, our place of work and the
places we like to socialise. For young children, their main environments are the places