Page 94 - PSPS: A Training guide

Work with the local preschools to organise a site visit to your school. If you can
include something fun (maybe a treasure hunt or story circle), it will help to create
excitement about starting school.

Self-reflection Suggestions

Self-reflection is a core part of Early Years and teaching practice. Whether you use a
self-guided evaluation toolkit or keep a learning journal, below are some sample
questions that you might use to guide your reflective practice when are thinking about
environments. These apply to both preschool and primary school as there shouldn’t be
a significant difference between the two environments. They are both, after all, spaces
for children who are still in early childhood.
Does our preschool/school have a written transitions policy?

Does our preschool/school reflect wider society? Do we have images and toys
that represent ethnic diversity, different types of (dis)ability, family structures
and roles that are not gendered?

Does our indoor learning environment incorporate young children’s interests?
How?
Are toys, equipment and materials accessible to all
children, including children with disabilities?

Do we have storage space for each child with their name and photo on it?

Is the children’s artwork visible and rotated frequently?

Do we have an information board or on-line portal for parents?
Do we offer a range of age-appropriate play props?

Does our environment provide literacy and numeracy props, such as books, art
supplies, story sacks and items to count, stack, pair etc?

Is our outdoor space fully and easily accessible to all children?

Does that outdoor space support children to
play alone, in pairs and in small groups?

How am I documenting the child’s needs
withour preschool/school environment?

Am I communicating openly and regularly with parents so that they are
comfortable talking to me about any concerns or expectations?
Have we prepared children for the transition by helping them to understand
what to expect?

Are we supporting their parents around the transition process? How?