A Confident Start to School
Transition is designed to offer children the best of both worlds. They continue to experience the warmth and familiarity of early childhood learning, while gradually becoming confident in the routines and rhythms of School life.
Familiar language, daily routines and learning environments help children feel secure, while new experiences are introduced in a calm and supportive way. This approach allows each child to build confidence and independence over time.
A Typical Day in Transition
Each day follows a consistent and reassuring rhythm, helping children feel settled and confident as they move through their learning.
Mornings begin with a calm arrival and opportunities for play-based learning, followed by group time focused on early literacy. Children then enjoy a balance of indoor and outdoor experiences, including specialist lessons across the week.
Midday includes shared meals and time to play, build friendships and explore the School environment. In the afternoon, children engage in numeracy, inquiry and creative learning, followed by a gentle rest and relaxation period to support wellbeing.
The day concludes with reflection and connection, allowing children to leave feeling calm, confident and ready to return.
The Westminster Transition Difference
Familiar routines that build confidence
Children experience a consistent daily rhythm that reflects many of the routines they know from the Early Learning Centre. Snack and rest times remain an important part of the day, alongside recess and lunch.
Children also begin to explore the wider School environment and take part in specialist lessons including Physical Education, Music, Art, Chinese and Library, helping them feel connected to the broader Westminster community.
A gradual introduction to school life
Throughout the year, children are gently introduced to the expectations and routines of Reception. Group learning times become part of the day, with a focus on literacy, numeracy and inquiry.
By Term 4, children are familiar with school routines and expectations, allowing them to move into Reception with confidence.
Learning through play
Play remains central to learning in Transition. Children engage in a range of experiences that support creativity, problem-solving and collaboration.
Through imaginative play, construction, sensory exploration and hands-on learning, children develop important skills while exploring their interests in meaningful ways.
A connected and supportive experience
Children in Transition experience a rich and balanced program that includes specialist lessons and opportunities to explore the School environment. This helps build familiarity, confidence and a strong sense of belonging within the Westminster community.
Learning in Transition
Literacy
Children develop a love of language through stories, songs and conversation. They begin to explore letters and sounds and express their ideas through drawing and early writing.
Westminster uses the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness approach, alongside phonics and oral language development, to support early reading skills. Small group learning provides opportunities for individual support and growth.
Numeracy
Children explore early mathematical concepts through hands-on and meaningful experiences. They develop confidence in counting, recognising patterns, measuring and problem-solving.
A focus on early number fluency helps children build strong foundations for future learning.
Inquiry
Inquiry learning encourages curiosity and exploration. Children ask questions, investigate ideas and make connections through play-based experiences that are shaped by their interests.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is an important part of each day. Children participate in a calm rest and relaxation time after lunch, supporting them to recharge and reset.
They also develop social and emotional skills including cooperation, resilience, mindfulness and gratitude, helping them feel confident and connected.
Fine motor development
Children strengthen fine motor skills through activities such as drawing, cutting, building and manipulating materials. These experiences support independence and early writing development.
Key Information
Orientation and Transition visits
We offer a series of three structured Orientation visits to help children feel at ease in their new environment and begin forming connections with classmates and teachers. These visits also provide parents with the opportunity to learn more about School life and connect with other families.
Children attending the ELC will be accompanied to and from class by staff.
If your child does not attend the ELC, please drop them off at the Transition classrooms at 9.00 am and collect them at the appropriate time.
All children should bring a labelled snack, lunch and drink bottle. Children are welcome to wear their ELC uniform or plain clothes.
Dates to be confirmed.
Orientation day itinerary
More information to follow.
Class placements
During the Transition Program, teachers have opportunities to get to know each child. This enables teachers to observe positive friendships and children’s areas of interests. As a result, teachers take their observations into account when making decisions around the best placement of children in class groups. For children, the opportunity to mix in different groups provides space to rekindle past friendships or initiate new ones, and find likeminded peers to bond with.
Communication platforms
Before your child begins their journey at Westminster, please download and familiarise yourself with the following apps to enhance communication between parents, the School and the classroom.
These apps are designed to streamline communication and support your child's transition into School.
Qkr
Qkr is used to make School payments quickly and easily from your phone. You can pay for canteen orders, School events, uniforms and more, all in one place.
Seesaw
Seesaw is a learning platform where you can view your child's classroom activities and progress. Teachers share photos, videos and updates so you can stay connected with what your child is learning.
Xplor
Xplor is Westminster’s OSHC bookings hub. Use this app to book your child’s before and after school care sessions as well as school holiday vacation programs.