Thinking of joining Earlston Nursery or School?
At Earlston Primary, we aim to ensure that every new family, visitor, and future member of staff feels welcomed and included from the moment they walk through our doors. Building a strong sense of community and belonging is at the heart of everything we do.
We warmly encourage all prospective families and staff to get in touch with the school in the first instance. You’ll be offered a welcome visit with a member of our management team — an opportunity to tour the school, meet some of our staff, and begin forming positive connections with our school community
The process for joining Earlston Primary or our Nursery may vary depending on whether your child is starting Nursery or School, and whether you live within our catchment area. Mrs Johnston in the school office will be happy to guide you through the correct steps and answer any questions you may have
Further information about the enrolment process can also be found on the Scottish Borders Council website
We warmly encourage all prospective families and staff to get in touch with the school in the first instance. You’ll be offered a welcome visit with a member of our management team — an opportunity to tour the school, meet some of our staff, and begin forming positive connections with our school community
The process for joining Earlston Primary or our Nursery may vary depending on whether your child is starting Nursery or School, and whether you live within our catchment area. Mrs Johnston in the school office will be happy to guide you through the correct steps and answer any questions you may have
Further information about the enrolment process can also be found on the Scottish Borders Council website
Transition from Nursery to P1
|
At Earlston Primary, we are committed to ensuring that every child has a smooth and positive transition into Primary 1.
We are fortunate to have our own Nursery class within the school building, which helps to create strong and continuous links across the Early Level. Our comprehensive transition programme, developed in close partnership with Nursery staff, ensures that children feel confident, secure, and ready to begin their Primary 1 journey. |
Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for Nursery children to build relationships with Primary 1 staff and pupils through shared learning experiences and joint activities.
We also warmly welcome children who are transferring from other nursery settings. Our team works closely with families and early years practitioners to gather key information about each child’s learning and development, ensuring that every child receives the best possible start at Earlston Primary.
In June, we invite both Nursery and Primary 1 parents and carers to our Information Meetings. These sessions provide valuable opportunities to discuss practical arrangements, share information, and answer any questions to help make the transition to school a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Deferred Entry
Under current legislation in Scotland, parents/carers of children aged between four and a half and five at the start of the school session (those with January to February birthdays) have a choice about enrolling their child for primary school. Children can start school before they are five or can defer their start until the following August.
We also warmly welcome children who are transferring from other nursery settings. Our team works closely with families and early years practitioners to gather key information about each child’s learning and development, ensuring that every child receives the best possible start at Earlston Primary.
In June, we invite both Nursery and Primary 1 parents and carers to our Information Meetings. These sessions provide valuable opportunities to discuss practical arrangements, share information, and answer any questions to help make the transition to school a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Deferred Entry
Under current legislation in Scotland, parents/carers of children aged between four and a half and five at the start of the school session (those with January to February birthdays) have a choice about enrolling their child for primary school. Children can start school before they are five or can defer their start until the following August.
Transfer between Primary Classes
At Earlston Primary, we recognise that effective transitions are key to ensuring every child feels confident, supported, and ready to succeed as they move through the school. We have well-established systems in place to make each step of the journey a positive experience
Our transition process includes:
Together, these approaches ensure that every child experiences a smooth and supportive transition from one year group to the next, promoting both continuity in learning and confidence in new beginnings.
- Transition Meetings: Teachers meet to share detailed information about each child’s learning progress, strengths, and next steps, as well as their social and emotional wellbeing. This ensures continuity of support and a clear understanding of every learner’s needs.
- Moving Up Mornings: In June, children spend time in their new classroom with their upcoming teacher. This gives them the opportunity to get to know their new learning environment, routines, and expectations, helping them to feel prepared and excited for the year ahead.
- Informal Opportunities to Connect: Throughout the year, teachers engage in informal interactions and shared activities with classes they will be teaching next session. These early connections help build positive relationships and a sense of familiarity before the transition officially takes place.
Together, these approaches ensure that every child experiences a smooth and supportive transition from one year group to the next, promoting both continuity in learning and confidence in new beginnings.
Transfer from Primary to Secondary School
Pupils are normally transferred from Primary to Secondary Education between the ages of 11yrs and 12yrs so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least 4 years of secondary education.
Pupils from Earlston Primary School normally transfer from this school to:-
Earlston High School
Head Teacher: Alex Johnson
Telephone Number: 01896 849282
Earlston Primary School has close links with Earlston High School. There are regular Primary/ Secondary Liaison meetings for staff. Throughout their Primary 7 year guidance staff visit the school and meet the children to discuss any concerns they may have, and also gather information from the class teachers to ensure a smooth transfer to secondary. There is a programme of multi-school learning experiences and festivals allowing pupils from the Eildon East Learning Community to meet each other and become acquainted prior to starting the High School.
Pupils from Earlston Primary School normally transfer from this school to:-
Earlston High School
Head Teacher: Alex Johnson
Telephone Number: 01896 849282
Earlston Primary School has close links with Earlston High School. There are regular Primary/ Secondary Liaison meetings for staff. Throughout their Primary 7 year guidance staff visit the school and meet the children to discuss any concerns they may have, and also gather information from the class teachers to ensure a smooth transfer to secondary. There is a programme of multi-school learning experiences and festivals allowing pupils from the Eildon East Learning Community to meet each other and become acquainted prior to starting the High School.
|
All children in P7 at Earlston Primary visit the High School for a two day High School Transition visit in June.
An ‘enhanced transition’ can be arranged if there are any concerns raised by either parents or school staff. This would result in extra visits to the High School- meeting key staff and becoming familiar with the layout of the building. Further information and advice regarding transition can be obtained from the following national organisations: Enquire: www.enquire.org.uk Parenting Across Scotland: www.parentingacrossscotland.org |