New donation for research into preschool children’s transition to school

“It’s very exciting and really great that the Foundation wants to make this important investment. Transitions are a key issue in giving children a good school education, and there is a lack of research in this area. This gives us the opportunity to conduct a longitudinal intervention study together with Uppsala Municipality, which we hope can ultimately have great practical benefit, while also generating important new knowledge in basic research,” says Professor Gustaf Gredebäck of Uppsala University’s Child and Baby Lab.

How should the handover be done to make it as positive as possible and give all children the best possible conditions when they start school, or change school stages or schools? Transitions – between types of schools and between schools – is a challenge that many schools and municipalities struggle with. If the information transfer does not function as it should, it further disadvantages pupils who are already experiencing difficulties in school. Jan Aili, preschool director at Uppsala Municipality, confirms this picture.

Strenghts central

“We struggle to achieve positive transitions and have tried various measures, but it is difficult to know what really works without evidence. So this will be incredibly exciting. Many people are already hugely interested in the project! And it’s good that every child’s strengths should be central,” says Aili.

The study is focused on developing a positive approach that identifies indicators that can facilitate the transition for each child. It will include up to 6,000 four-year-olds and their parents in Uppsala Municipality and last for six years. It will entail thorough monitoring of how the children are faring. The goal is to develop a method that can be applicable to other transitions beyond that between preschool and school.