Transition to School Surveys (ECE and Whānau Voice)

🌟 Transition to School Surveys (ECE and Whānau Voice)
✨ Why do Transition to School Surveys?

• Build a strong starting point: Instead of beginning from scratch when a child starts school, you already have valuable insights into who they are, what they can do, and what they love.
• Strengthen partnerships: Gathering voice from ECE teachers and whānau shows that their knowledge and experience is respected — they are crucial partners in a child’s journey.
• Spot patterns early: You can identify strengths and any gaps or needs before the child even sets foot in the classroom.
• Smooth the transition: Children feel safer and more confident when the people around them already understand them and can connect with what matters to them.

🛠️ How to Do It Effectively

        Step 1: Plan Your Surveys
            Create two short surveys:
            ➔ One for ECE/Kindergarten teachers
            ➔ One for whānau
            Keep them simple, warm, and strengths-based — aim for about 10–15 minutes to complete.
            Include questions about:
            ➔ Learning (early literacy, maths, strengths)
            ➔ Social/emotional skills
            ➔ Independence/self-management
            ➔ Dreams, hopes, and any special considerations
        Step 2: Decide the Tools
            Online (Google Form,) if ECEs/whānau are comfortable with digital tools.
            Paper copies as a backup, especially for whānau who prefer pen and paper.
            Offer both wherever possible.
        Step 3: Communicate Clearly
            Explain why you’re collecting this information:
            ➔ "We want to make the move to school a positive experience where your child’s strengths are recognised                         from day one."
        Let them know:
        ➔ Surveys are short and easy.
        ➔ Responses will be kept confidential.
        ➔ It’s about supporting, not judging, the child.
        Step 4: Set a Timeline
            Give ECEs and whānau enough time (about 2–3 weeks) to complete the surveys.
            Send a gentle reminder after 1 week. "We’d love to hear your voice to help us prepare the best possible start                 for your child!"
        Step 5: Collect and Organise Data
            Create a simple tracker (Google Sheets) to collate responses: 

            ➔ Name
            ➔ Key strengths
            ➔ Early literacy/maths skills
            ➔ Areas needing support
            ➔ Any notes from ECE/whānau
        Step 6: Use the Data in Conversations
            Share information carefully with New Entrant (NE) teachers.
            Use it in planning classroom setups, small groups, and support strategies.
            Track a few target students (especially if you’ve agreed to track progress across ECE and NE).

🧠 Things to Keep in Mind
Time:
ECE teachers and whānau are often time-poor. Keep the surveys easy and thank them sincerely for participating.

Consistency challenges:
Some ECEs may observe different things or have different ideas about skills — that’s okay. Look for overall patterns rather than exact matching data.

Relationships first:
Gathering voice is not just an information-gathering task — it’s a trust-building opportunity.

Here is a draft version of the ECE teacher survey.

Survey