A seamless transition: ELC to Prep at Tintern
Our Early Learning Centre (ELC) is located on the School campus and this unique positioning allows us to build and maintain strong connections with the Junior School. The partnership between the ELC and the Junior School is one that has been carefully developed, regularly reflected upon, and thoughtfully strengthened over time. Throughout their time in the ELC, there are many opportunities for students to visit areas of the Junior School including at special events hosted by the respective Heads of Junior School—Alison Prandolini (Girls) and Adam Kenny (Boys) —as well as other whole School community events. We also invite executive staff to the ELC for storytime, to nurture strong connections and build familiarity.
Young children thrive on consistency. Consider the enduring popularity of shows like Bluey and Paw Patrol—each episode begins with a familiar theme song, follows a predictable structure, and ends with comforting closure. This consistency allows children to relax and engage, knowing what to expect.
Starting in the ELC and continuing to Prep at Tintern gives our youngest learners the advantage of a supported and seamless transition into formal schooling in a familiar environment that they’re used to attending—consistency.
Starting school is a significant developmental milestone, and for many children, it can be daunting simply because it is unfamiliar. They have nothing to compare it to and no clear visualisation of what lies ahead.
At Tintern, we’ve worked hard to create a ‘Bluey episode’ of sorts for our student’s transition to school. By the time they begin Prep, they’ve already explored the Prep classroom through storytime events, wandered the halls of the Junior School, used the same bathrooms, played in the playgrounds, and spent time with the Prep teachers both in their future classrooms and in the ELC. Through shared language, aligned expectations, and intentional curriculum links, we create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
This approach is deeply informed by our commitment to developing a Culture of Thinking, where learning environments are intentionally designed to make children’s thinking visible, valued, and actively supported across all stages of their journey.
As the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) states, ‘Children learn best when they experience interconnectedness between different aspects of their lives.’ By fostering continuity between the ELC and Junior School, we honour this principle and help our children feel secure in their learning environment.
Furthermore, we are guided by the VEYLDF’s vision that, ‘Transitions are successful when children and families feel welcomed, valued and become familiar with new settings.’ This philosophy underpins every interaction and initiative we design to support each child’s journey from early learning into school life.
It is our intention that when the time comes to move into Prep at Tintern the children are already familiar and comfortable in the environment, that they are confident and well-prepared, and that they step into the next chapter of their educational journey ready to thrive!
Kristin De Vos
Head of Early Learning Centre
