First 5 Award for Transitions for Children

This award category is sponsored through First 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families, led by the Government of Ireland. A key objective of First 5 is that ‘children will be supported into and through transitions to and through Early Learning and Care settings on onwards to primary school’.

Transitions are a fact of life. They can be exciting, frightening, worrying and enjoyable – often at the same time. The transition into and through Early Learning and Care settings is the major transition of early childhood. It is important that we get it right for children. Transitions may look and feel very different in and for diverse locations and communities. While each present unique opportunities and challenges, a young child’s need to feel safe, secure, welcomed and understood is universal throughout. For some Early Learning and Care settings, deep reflection on transitions in, within, and out of services is relatively new.  However, meaningful and supportive strategies are being developed and implemented. This award brings such practice to a wider audience and promotes the future development of supportive transitions.