ABSTRACT
This chapter Includes discussion of the impact of life transitions on children's well-being and Outlines factors that aid and interfere with successful transitions. If a child is experiencing disturbing life transitions, the school can help by providing practical support to the child and the family. Secondary school transition has long since been identified as a potentially detrimental experience both in terms of self-esteem and academic motivation and achievement. The learning mentor facilitates days for children from the secondary school to meet with the primary Year 6 on a social level. Planned experiences for children with special needs or who have been identified as vulnerable can also help. Whole school policies for assessment and behaviour management have increased the commonality of experiences for children, a factor recognised as of assistance to children. The key to successful transition is empowering children to have the confidence and skills to manage change rather than cocooning them from the experience.
