Why Early Information Sharing Matters for a Smooth Nursery to Reception Transition

Starting school is a major milestone for any child, with the transition from nursery or pre-school into Reception setting the tone, not just for the first year of formal education, but for a child’s confidence, sense of belonging and long-term learning journey. Yet for too many children, this transition is more stressful than it needs to be because the right information is not being shared early enough, or in the right way. 

“Effective transition is a process, not a one-off event.”
Birth to 5 Matters, 2021 

We know that effective transition involves coordinated planning, genuine partnership with families and the thoughtful handover of information. Yet as Birth to 5 Matters highlights, some children are especially vulnerable at times of change. These include children who are summer-born or born prematurely, those with SEND, EAL children and those who have faced disruption, loss or instability in early development. Ensuring these children feel safe, understood and valued during transition is not optional, it is essential. 

“Moving from feeling known to feeling unknown can raise insecurities about having entitlements and needs met.”
Birth to 5 Matters, 2021 

The evidence is clear: when children feel known they are more likely to settle happily and engage with their learning journey. Birth to 5 Matters stresses the importance of maintaining that sense of continuity between home, early years settings and school. Yet this only happens when early years providers and schools share high-quality, detailed information about the child’s experiences, needs, and strengths early enough for schools to plan meaningful support. 

At Pupil Pathways, this is exactly what StepIntoSchool is designed to support. The platform provides a secure, structured way for nurseries, childminders and schools to work together, sharing key information well before September. This allows Reception teams to plan interventions, tailor their approaches, and make sure every child (especially those most vulnerable at times of change) feel welcome and ready. 

“Transitions are opportunities for professional dialogue between settings, as well as with the home.”
Birth to 5 Matters, 2021 

StepIntoSchool reflects what Birth to 5 Matters calls for: collaborative working, shared responsibility and a joined-up approach to inclusion. It allows professionals to flag additional needs early, record insights and work together to build strong relationships with children and families. By reducing the admin burden, it frees up time for visits, conversations and activities that make transitions feel personal and supportive. 

Benefits of using StepIntoSchool 

• Consistent, secure information sharing: A single, GDPR-compliant platform that keeps key data safe and structured. 

• Early insight for better planning: Schools receive information in time to prepare support for SEND, safeguarding and individual learning needs. 

• Reduced admin burden: Cuts down on duplication and paperwork, freeing up time for meaningful transition activities. 

• Stronger connections: Helps early years providers and schools work together to create a confident, positive start for every child. 

• Tailored support for vulnerable learners: Flags additional needs early so no child is overlooked during transition. 

“At Pupil Pathways, we believe that every child deserves to feel known, understood, and valued from their very first day at school. The transition into Reception is a pivotal moment, especially for our most vulnerable learners, and it should be shaped by care, connection and collaboration. That’s why we developed StepIntoSchool — to support early, high-quality information sharing between nurseries, childminders and schools, so that no child is left to navigate this change alone. When educators work together and families are part of the journey, we lay the foundation for confident, happy learners who feel they truly belong. This module is more than a tool — it’s a commitment to making every transition a strong start.” — Brendan Nel CEO, Pupil Pathways 

Transitions when done well can transform a child’s start in school. When we focus on connection, we help create the sense of belonging that is the foundation for lifelong learning ensuring no learner is left behind.