Queensland strengthens commitment to positive transitions across the early years

Queensland is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring every child experiences a positive, confident and well-supported transition throughout their learning journey, with the release of a new Transitions Position Statement and a renewed statewide commitment to strengthening partnerships across the early childhood and school sectors.

Recognising that transitions are far more than a child's first day in a new setting, the Queensland Department of Education's Commitment to Positive Transitions positions these experiences as an ongoing process that supports children's wellbeing, identity, learning and sense of belonging from birth through to Year 12.

The approach reflects growing evidence that successful transitions are built through strong relationships, collaboration and continuity of learning, helping children and families feel connected and supported as they move between home, early childhood education and care (ECEC), kindergarten and school.

Queensland's approach recognises that successful transitions are everyone's responsibility and are strengthened when children, families, educators and communities work together.

The framework places children at the centre of planning while recognising the important role played by:

• children as active participants in their own learning journey
• families, whose knowledge and aspirations help shape transition planning
• early childhood educators and teachers who provide continuity of learning and wellbeing
• schools and ECEC services that collaborate to create consistent experiences
• communities, including Elders, Traditional Custodians and local organisations, who strengthen children's sense of identity and belonging.

This collaborative approach aims to ensure every transition is responsive to the unique strengths, cultures and experiences of each child.

Rather than focusing solely on "school readiness", Queensland's approach encourages educators to consider how education systems can also be ready for children.

The Department highlights several elements that contribute to positive transitions, including:

• strong relationships between children, families and educators
• clear and consistent communication that builds confidence and reduces uncertainty
• continuity of learning that recognises each child's strengths, interests and cultural identity
• inclusive practices that respond to the needs of every learner
• culturally responsive approaches, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
• collaborative planning between early childhood services and schools.

Together, these practices help children feel safe, connected and confident as they move into new learning environments.

Transitions often bring excitement alongside uncertainty, making children's emotional wellbeing an important focus throughout the process.

Queensland's commitment encourages educators to support children through:

• emotionally safe and welcoming environments
• predictable routines that provide security
• opportunities to visit and become familiar with new settings
• time to build trusting relationships with new educators and teachers
• practices that value children's cultural identities, languages and lived experiences.

These principles align closely with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2.0, the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG) 2024, and the National Quality Standard, all of which recognise belonging, wellbeing and continuity as critical foundations for learning.

Effective transitions rely on meaningful collaboration between early childhood services, schools and families.

The Department encourages services to strengthen partnerships through:

• joint planning and transition meetings
• sharing information with family consent
• orientation visits and familiarisation opportunities
• community events that build connections
• engagement with Elders, Traditional Custodians and local community organisations.

By sharing knowledge and working together, educators can provide children with a more connected and consistent experience as they move between learning environments.

The Commitment to Positive Transitions is supported by a growing collection of evidence-informed resources designed to strengthen transition practice across Queensland.

These include research on effective transition practices, age-appropriate pedagogies, educator wellbeing, supported playgroups and practical guidance for strengthening partnerships with families and schools.

The Queensland Government's renewed commitment reflects a growing national recognition that successful transitions are built through relationships, collaboration and continuity rather than isolated orientation activities.

For early childhood education and care providers, the initiative reinforces the important role educators play in helping children develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging long before they walk through the school gate.

By working together with families, schools and communities, services can help ensure every child experiences a positive start to the next stage of their learning journey, laying the foundations for lifelong engagement with education.