Transition refers to children moving from one class to another usually at the start of the academic year in September. It can also refer to children moving from Year 6 to a Secondary School.
At St. Michael’s C of E Primary School we recognise how important a successful transition is to our pupils with additional needs.
How we support children/young people with SEN starting at our school
Transition into Nursery or Reception Class is a big step for both our children and their parents. We aim to support our families through this important stage in a number of ways. At St. Michael’s C of E we operate with a EYFS unit which includes both nursery and Reception children sharing all areas of provision. This ensures that all of our children are familiar with their setting and staff members and has enabled our transition arrangements to be very effective.
New starters for Reception and Nursery children are provided with the following opportunities:
- A personal individual tour of our school by a member of staff. This provides an opportunity to verbally share any information you wish to.
- A school information pack which gives further details of our school.
- Parent Open Information Event led by EYFS lead and classroom assistants. They will receive information, guidance and advice relating to school uniform, school meals, school routines, outdoor visits and how best to support their children in the run up to starting school and during their first year.
- Children attend transition sessions in Reception class in the Summer Term.
- Bespoke transition arrangements can be discussed depending on need.
If your child joins our school during a Key Stage or mid-way through the academic year, systems are in place to aid their transition from their previous school. When you visit our school, the Head Teacher, Mr. Paley, will give you a tour and your child will have opportunities to see their new classroom and meet their teacher. If your child has SEND, our SENCO will liaise with the SENCO from your child’s previous school to ensure that we have the required information to enable us to support your child fully. It would be beneficial if you could discuss your child’s needs with us and share any information you have when you visit.
How we support children/young people with SEN moving between classes in our school
At St. Michael’s C of E Primary, we work closely so children become familiar with all staff. Transition from each year group is supported so that the children have met with their new teachers and are familiar with the new classroom environment and organisation. Transition visits take place during the Summer Term and additional visits and enhanced transition arrangements are put in place for children with additional needs. In addition to this, staff meet to share information and for those children who require provision that is additional to or different from quality first teaching we make additional arrangements to support these children through the transition. This can include spending additional time in their new classroom, visiting their new classroom with their current member of support staff, beginning transition arrangements earlier in the summer term or photographs of their new classroom to take home and talk about with parents and carers during the summer holidays. The support provided is tailored to the needs of individual children and will be discussed with parents and carers and the child.
How we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
We have excellent links with a number of local secondary schools and academies. We support children at every stage of their school career and we plan for the transition to secondary/other schools to be as smooth and as worry free as possible.
We work in partnership with our secondary schools to provide an enhanced level of transition [funded by the Community Of Learning [COL]] for all year 6 pupils and extra support for those we deem in need. This may take the form of additional visits for pupils, one to one/small group working with secondary school staff or pupil mentoring from secondary schools.
The period of transition depends on the individual needs of the pupil. If it is felt appropriate secondary school colleagues will attend Annual Reviews or EHCP meetings to meet the current class teacher, parents and most importantly the pupil. We have found this strategy particularly useful in easing any worries or concerns parents and pupils may have. We are particularly keen to involve parents/carers as much as possible in their child’s transition to secondary school. School staff will take opportunities to work alongside parents/carers to visit secondary schools in advance of secondary placement applications being submitted to the local Authority.
This ensures parents/carers can make the most informed placement decision for their child. When a secondary school has been allocated to the child, parents are fully involved and consulted at all stages of the transition process.
If your child leaves St. Michael’s C of E Primary School, the SENCO will ensure that all SEND information is passed onto the next school to ensure that they are fully aware of any additional needs your child may have and that the support your child receives continues into the next phase of their education.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
