At Indigo North Health Rutherglen OSHC, we have children from three local primary schools and one kindergarten. Children who need to be transported to other schools leave with staff around 8:40am. On arrival at their schools, a teacher always checks and signs our transport book to confirm that all children are accounted for and have arrived safely.

Our older children play a key role in supporting younger ones during morning transitions, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. By buddying up, they help guide and assist their peers, reinforcing our strong focus on collaboration. When challenging behaviours arise, we actively involve the children in problem-solving, tapping into their incredible insights and creative solutions.

For children that attend the school where the OSHC program resides, we supervise them transitioning into the schoolyard and to their classrooms. On rare occasions, we may need to accompany a child directly to their classroom and support them to transition by liaising with their teacher.

For our kindergarten children, we accompany them on their walk to preschool. During this time, we discuss road safety, nature, how to keep safe around dogs and strangers, and what to do if we spot a snake. These discussions are always aimed at ensuring the safety of the children.

Tips to support successful transitions:

• Inspire older children and young people to support and mentor each other
• Encourage OSHC children to engage in collaborative problem-solving activities
• Provide brightly coloured vests for over the top of the preschoolers’ bags
• Carry a transport book to sign children in and out when changing locations
• Build strong relationships with the preschool teachers and educators
• Consider what wet weather amenities you need in place – we have ponchos for the children to wear
• Ensure your travel policies are in place for safe transportation and arrival of children.

Our practices have had continued success in facilitating seamless transitions for our children and everything has run smoothly for over ten years!

Sue Harris

Leading Educator, Indigo North Health Rutherglen OSHC