Transition to School: Current Issues and Pacific Islands Early Childhood Contexts

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of some current complexities related to transition to school from early childhood services in New Zealand. These include theoretical and policy matters concerning: continuity–discontinuity, diversity–standardisation, and ease of transition. We then highlight some key issues arising from a study, reported during the year under review, on transition to school from Pacific Islands early childhood services. Drawing on the main emergent themes, we comment on methodological implications and culturally preferred practices, and identify some concerns and challenges.