ELC - P1 Transition 

We hope you enjoy our Midmouse and Oakley story. At the end of the book you can meet your new teacher, find out more about them and listen to a story by clicking the 'storytime' links. 

“Transition is considered to be an adjustment over time to new contexts outside the family, where babies and children experience changes to their social environment, to their routines, to what is expected of them and to the relationships they have with others in new situations. Our aspiration should be to promote in babies and children a sense of belonging by providing them with their entitlement to continuity of learning in a caring and respectful environment which reflects the settings unique cultures.”

(Realising the Ambition, P89)

We are delighted that your child will be joining Primary One in Burnbrae. For some of you this will be your first experience of Burnbrae Primary, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to you and your family. We look forward to working with you all. Moving on from an early years setting to school is a very important milestone for your child and we want to work with you to ensure that the transition is smooth for all. 

Children will:

• Take part in an intergenerational community transition project ‘Mid Mouse’.

• Be able to listen to stories read by Burnbrae staff which are available via this page on our website

• Take part in transition visits to P1 and meet new friend

• Have opportunities to visit Burnbrae Primary and join P1 for play

Parents will:

• Be invited to an in person presentation Wednesday 28th May 2025 and slides will be available on the website the day after for anyone who can’t attend 

• Have access to a ThingLink which will give them a virtual tour of the school and allow them to see into the key areas of the school that their child will access and we encourage you to share this with children

• Have opportunities to ask questions in person,  via email or telephone call

• Share and enjoy our Oakley virtual storybook with links and information 

• Complete an online ‘All about me’ form for your child  to share relevant information with the P1 team  - link coming soon 

Staff will:

• Liaise with ELC staff to gather information about your child

• Continue the Mid Mouse transition project in August

• Share classes at the info evening on 28th May

• Work with ELC settings to identify children who may benefit from an enhanced transition 

Children who have been identified for an enhanced transition will  (please note, this could  look different for each child based on needs and in response to each  transition visit) have the following - 

• An optional visit on one of the August inservice days - times TBC 

• Age appropriate books  and access to all the Mid Mouse stories 

• Social story if required

• Visual timetable taken to P1 before summer with a photo and first activity planned for August 

• Where possible P1 staff will visit the ELC to play and meet your child while they are engaged in an area of their own interest

• Song signifiers passed on and modelled to P1 team 

• Support from key ELC staff when settling in term 1 

• ELC team will support P1 staff with any environmental changes required  

• Staff will share appropriate paperwork such as Midlothian Learner Plan and one page document 

• Access to online tour and website stories to support at home 

• Two  extra visits, the 30th May is an opportunity to explore the space as a family with fewer children attending this visit and 6th June will be a morning visit with ELC staff. 

ELC - P1 Transition dates can be found on our online calendar

Our aim is for you to feel confident and secure about what lies ahead and this will in turn help children to be happy and relaxed. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch either by email Burnbrae.ps@midlothian.gov.uk or by calling the school office on 0131 271 4605.

Useful Links for Parents/Carers 

Getting ready for school
Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods
Burnbrae Uniform
Free School Meals and Clothing Grants
Virtual tours of schools – open the map of Midlothian then select your high school catchment area to find your primary or secondary school tour
Education Scotland Thinglink