Critical review of research and policy on transitions to school from 2000-2024 in Cymru/Wales

Cymru/Wales comprises one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. With its own culture and language, devolution in 1999 has enabled the trajectory of an increasingly distinctive education system from that of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Since 2000 the focus of Early Years education reform in Wales has been on a bilingual play-based curriculum, the Foundation Phase, centred on seven areas of learning. Currently Wales is undergoing an ambitious period of education reform with implementation of Curriculum for Wales for learners aged 3–16. Based on the principles of y Cyfnod Sylfaen/the Foundation Phase and organised according to progression steps, one aim is to reduce the negative impact of transition. This chapter examines the work undertaken to evaluate how transitions are supported in the early years curricula in Wales and comments on current policy relating to transition experiences. While Welsh research around transitions to school is sparse, and there is little focused policy guidance, evidence suggests that local authorities are providing guidance to early years settings on how to support the move to compulsory schooling for children in Wales.