5.2 Describe transitions that some children may experience

This guide will help you answer 5.2 Describe transitions that some children may experience.

Transitions are changes or moves from one stage, setting, or situation to another. In early years and playwork, these changes can have a big impact on children. They can affect feelings, behaviour, and development. Each child will respond differently depending on age, personality, and past experiences.

Children can face transitions in many parts of their lives. Some are planned and expected. Others happen suddenly. Both types can affect wellbeing and learning.

Starting School or Changing Educational Setting

Many children experience a transition when they move from nursery or home-based care into a formal school setting. This can be a big change for them. There is often a new routine, new adults, and new peers.

Key points include:

• Adapting to structured learning for the first time
• Learning to interact in larger group settings
• Adjusting to different rules and expectations
• Saying goodbye to familiar staff and spaces

Changing schools mid-year or moving to a school in a new area can make the transition harder. Language barriers and cultural differences can add extra stress.

Moving Home

Relocating to a different home or area is another common transition. This could be within the same town or to a completely new region. For children, this means leaving behind familiar surroundings, neighbours, and friends.

Impacts can include:

• Loss of friendships
• Change in access to familiar play spaces
• Feelings of uncertainty about new environments
• Disruption to daily routines

Children may need time to adjust to new housing and neighbourhoods. They may feel unsettled until they become familiar with local facilities.

Family Break-up or Parental Separation

Separation or divorce can be a significant emotional transition. Children may have to move between two homes. They may see one parent less often. Family routines will change, and there may be conflict or tension.

Effects might include:

• Anxiety about family relationships
• Fear of losing contact with one parent
• Adjusting to different rules in each home
• Coping with changes in living arrangements

Open communication and reassurance can help to reduce worry during this time.

Birth of a Sibling

Welcoming a new baby into the family is another transition. While it can be a joyful event, it can change family dynamics. The child may need to share attention and space.

Possible effects are:

• Feeling jealous or left out
• Changes to sleeping arrangements
• Reduced time with parents
• Adapting to new routines in the home

Positive involvement, like helping to care for the baby in age-appropriate ways, can help the child feel included.

Bereavement

The death of a family member, friend, or pet is a challenging transition. Children may not fully understand what has happened. They may experience grief in ways that differ from adults.

Possible emotional responses include:

• Sadness and crying
• Anger or withdrawal
• Confusion about death
• Worry about losing others

Providing clear, honest explanations can help. Maintaining routines can offer comfort during mourning.

Starting or Leaving a Club or Group

Children often take part in extra activities such as sports, arts, or hobby clubs. Joining a new group or leaving one can be a transition. This can involve meeting new people and learning new skills, or saying goodbye to familiar faces.

When starting:

• Learning rules and routines of the group
• Making new friends
• Trying unfamiliar activities

When leaving:

• Ending friendships or regular contact with peers
• Loss of structured activity time
• Adapting to new free time patterns

These changes can affect social confidence and feelings of belonging.

Hospital Stays or Medical Treatment

Health-related transitions can involve hospital admissions or ongoing medical treatment. They can interrupt normal life and lead to uncertainty.

Effects on the child include:

• Separation from friends and regular activities
• Feeling worried or scared about procedures
• Missing school or play sessions
• Adjusting to physical changes

Support from family, peers, and professionals can help children cope.

Moving Between Foster Placements

Children in care may face transitions from one foster home to another. This change can be sudden and may happen many times.

Possible challenges:

• Loss of contact with carers and foster siblings
• Adapting to different house rules
• New schools and new communities
• Feeling insecure about the future

Consistency in routines and personal possessions can provide stability.

Cultural or Language Changes

Children moving into a place with different languages or customs may face cultural transitions. This could be through relocation, or joining a group with new cultural practices.

Effects can include:

• Feeling isolated when they do not understand the language
• Adapting to different foods, clothing styles, or rituals
• Learning new ways of social interaction

Peer support and translation help can make adaptation easier.

Seasonal and Environmental Changes

Seasons can affect routines, play activities, and emotional states. Moving to a place with different weather patterns or day lengths can be a transition.

Changes might include:

• Adjusting clothing and play styles
• Changes in outdoor play opportunities
• Altered sleeping patterns with daylight differences

These transitions can be easier when children have information and preparation.

Introduction of New Technology in Learning or Play

Some children experience transitions linked to changes in learning environments, such as using more technology or different learning tools. This can alter how they engage with work and play.

Possible impacts:

• Learning new skills to use technology
• Changes in play preferences
• Feeling frustrated if technology is hard to use

Guidance and supportive teaching can smooth this process.

Separation from Friends

Children can lose contact with friends for many reasons, such as moving house, changing groups, or friends leaving. This social transition can be difficult.

Effects include:

• Sadness and loneliness
• Loss of shared games or hobbies
• Needing to build new friendships

Encouraging continued contact where possible can reduce the emotional impact.

Changes in Care Arrangements

Sometimes a child might move from being cared for by parents to other family members or professional carers. This could be temporary or permanent.

Possible effects:

• Loss of familiar routines
• Adjusting to new carers’ styles
• Feeling worried about why changes happened

Stability and consistent care help children feel secure.

Transition Linked to Disability or Health Needs

Some children face transitions caused by changes in their health or ability. This could involve starting to use aids such as wheelchairs or changing support arrangements.

Possible impacts:

• Altered access to play and learning
• Change in peer relationships
• Different expectations in settings

Inclusive practices and peer education can help maintain confidence.

Emotional Transitions from Developmental Stages

Growing older brings natural transitions. Starting puberty, changing interests, or gaining independence are parts of this process.

Examples:

• Desire for more privacy
• Shift from simple play to complex hobbies
• Changing friendship groups

Support and respectful communication can help children handle these changes positively.

Military Family Deployment

Children from military families may go through transitions when a parent is deployed or relocated. This can mean long periods without seeing one parent.

Effects can include:

• Missing a parent for months
• Managing changes in routines
• Handling worry about safety

Regular communication can provide comfort.

Separation from Familiar Environments Due to Emergencies

Sometimes emergencies such as flooding, fire, or other events can force a sudden change. Children may need to leave home, school, or play areas quickly.

Possible impacts:

• Shock and confusion
• Loss of possessions
• Fear about safety

Calm and compassionate support is important during these times.

Preparing Children for Transitions

Several approaches can help reduce the stress of transitions:

• Advance explanation where possible
• Maintaining routines
• Allowing children to express feelings
• Keeping familiar objects or comfort items
• Gradual introduction to new settings

Preparation needs to be paced to suit the child’s age and understanding.

Supporting Children Through Play

Playworkers can help by creating consistent play environments and offering activities that make the child feel included. Play can help a child express emotions, rehearse new roles, and gain confidence.

Examples of supportive play:

• Role play to act out new situations
• Creative activities to explore feelings
• Group games that build peer connections

Play can be used to help the child make sense of change.

Final Thoughts

Transitions are a normal part of life but they can have a strong effect on a child’s emotional and social development. They range from everyday changes to significant life events. As a playwork professional, noticing these changes and offering the right support can make a big difference.

By listening carefully, creating stable environments, and using play to build resilience, children are more likely to adapt to changes in a healthy way. Every child’s experience is unique, and sensitive support can help them feel safe and valued during any transition.