Transitions, whether starting nursery, moving rooms or preparing for school, can be exciting but also a little unsettling for young children. While many strategies are well known, this guide offers ten creative, child-centred ideas to help children feel secure, confident and understood.
Create a Transition Treasure Box
What it is
A small, personalised box filled with comforting items from home.
Steps to implement
- Give each child a small box or bag
- Invite families to contribute familiar items, for example, a photo, a small toy, fabric or a scent sachet
- Let children access their box throughout the day, especially when they need a moment of comfort
Resources needed
- Small boxes
- Communication with parents
- Safe storage in the setting
EYFS link: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Impact on the child
Reduces anxiety, offers emotional security and strengthens the connection between home and setting.
Use Role Reversal Play
What it is
Children take on the role of the adult while the practitioner plays the child.
Steps to implement
- Set up a role-play area with props like clipboards and soft toys
- Invite the child to “teach” or “settle” you into the new space
- Talk together afterwards about how it felt
Resources needed
- Role-play props
- Time for one-to-one or small group interaction
EYFS link: Communication and Language, Understanding the World
Impact on the child
Boosts confidence, empathy and understanding. Children feel more in control and empowered.
Pack a Goodbye Bag
What it is
A small keepsake for children moving on.
Steps to implement
- Let the child choose drawings, photos or special items to include
- Add a goodbye card or message from their key person
- Present it during a short farewell moment
Resources needed
- Paper bags or envelopes
- Printed photos or artwork
- Time for reflection and celebration
EYFS link: Emotional Development
Impact on the child
Helps them process change, provides closure and gives them something positive to hold onto.
Use Visual Timelines with Real Photos
What it is
A daily schedule using real images to help children understand routines.
Steps to implement
- Take photos of the child’s current and new settings, staff and key moments in the day
- Create a “now and next” timeline
- Review it together each day
Resources needed
- Camera or tablet
- Laminator or display board
- Velcro or magnets
EYFS link: Understanding the World, Communication and Language
Impact on the child
Builds predictability and helps them make sense of upcoming changes.
Spy Missions to the New Setting
What it is
Exploratory visits framed as playful discovery missions.
Steps to implement
- Create a list of things to find
- Give children clipboards or magnifying glasses
- Celebrate their discoveries together
Resources needed
- Printable mission sheets
- Clipboards, magnifying glasses
- Stickers or small rewards
EYFS link: Active Learning, Exploration
Impact on the child
Turns nervousness into excitement and encourages familiarity through fun.
Create a Feelings Forecast
What it is
A daily emotional check-in using weather symbols.
Steps to implement
- Design a chart with a variety of weather options
- Ask children to choose the symbol that matches how they feel
- Use their choices as a prompt for support
Resources needed
- Visual chart
- Weather symbols
- Display board
EYFS link: Self-Regulation, Emotional Literacy
Impact on the child
Promotes emotional awareness, builds vocabulary and supports wellbeing.
Make a Connection Chain
What it is
A paper chain where each link represents someone who cares about the child.
Steps to implement
- Write names or draw pictures on each link
- Build the chain together and display it
- Add new links as relationships develop
Resources needed
- Paper strips
- Pens or crayons
- Glue or stapler
EYFS link: Sense of Belonging, Social Development
Impact on the child
Visually shows the people who support them, boosting security and connection.
EYFS Links and Educator Guidance
These strategies link directly to the EYFS Statutory Framework, which highlights the importance of emotional wellbeing and secure relationships. Playing, and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically, are all supported through these child-led transition ideas.
Children thrive when they feel emotionally secure and understood.
Educators should:
- Work closely with families to understand each child’s story
- Use the key person approach to offer reassurance and continuity
- Observe behaviour as communication
- Allow time for gradual transitions, especially for vulnerable children
Safeguarding and Health & Safety Awareness
Creative and nurturing transitions must also be safe and compliant with statutory guidance:
- EYFS Statutory Framework
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Safeguarding Policies