This item is available under a Creative Commons License for non-
commercial use only The overarching aim of this study was to
provide an information base on the transition from preschool to
formal schooling in Ireland, and to improve understanding about
how best to support children’s learning during this time. The
theoretical framework for the project was based on the
ecological systems model of development proposed by
Bronfenbrenner. As there was no previous Irish research in this
area, the study took an exploratory approach, and drew on a
variety of sources to present the perspectives of preschool
practitioners, primary school teachers, parents and children
themselves. Phase 1 involved a questionnaire being completed by
a nationwide sample of preschool practitioners and teachers of
junior infants classes. Both groups agreed that children with
the ability to negotiate classroom life independently, equipped
with good social skills and the ability to concentrate and
listen for short periods of time, are more li