SEND Transition

Introduction

We recognise that transitions can be difficult for a child with SEND and take steps to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible.

How we support the transition of pupil with SEND

At St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School we recognise that ‘moving on’ can be difficult for a child with SEND and take steps to ensure that any transition is a smooth as possible. We work in partnership with our feeder secondary schools to provide an enhanced level of transition for those who we feel would benefit from this. Pupils with SEND may need additional support to make a successful transition into their new school. Below are the ways that we support pupils to do this.

Transition into Reception

We start building relationships during the summer term prior to your child starting school. You and your child will be invited to:

• Three afternoon welcome sessions.  The first session offers you and your child the opportunity to meet new teachers and to spend time in the school environment with their new friends. The second session allows parents to attend an information meeting in the school hall and the third afternoon is a ‘Teddy Bears’ picnic for children and parents, and the children of the current Reception Class.
• A 1:1 parental meeting within the first three days of starting school to share information about your child.

In order to help Reception children settle into school life well, we operate a staggered intake. Pupils start school at 8:50am and finish at 12pm during the first week. The second week, offers pupils the opportunity to enjoy their lunch and finish at 2pm. Then, in line with the rest of the school, children are full time from the third week.

Support for children moving on to another class or leaving the school

When moving classes in school:

• Transition from each year group within school is supported so that the children have met with their new teachers and are familiar with the new classroom environment and organisation
• Information will be passed on to the new class teacher IN ADVANCE and in most cases, a planning meeting will take place with the new teacher. All Pupil Profiles / EHCP will be shared with the new teacher
• Information and Pupil Profiles will be shared to ensure continued learning
• He/she will meet the teacher
• You will be invited to meet with the new teacher before or soon after the move takes place.
• All classes take part in a ‘Moving Up’ morning. This allows children to spend time with their new class and class teacher, before September

Moving to another school:

• We will talk with your child to identify how they are feeling about the move and discuss with them how to make it as positive an experience as possible
• We will contact the new school’s SENDCo and ensure they know about any special arrangements, or support, that needs to be made for your child
• Where possible we will support a visit to the new school in advance of the move
• We will make sure that all records about your child are passed on as soon as possible

Transition to Secondary

• 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
• When a secondary school has been allocated to the child, parents are fully involved and consulted at all stages of the transition process
• St Leonard’s Comprehensive have a transition worker who visits the Y6 children during the Summer Term and then continues transition during the Autumn Term when the children are at secondary school
• If it is felt appropriate, secondary school colleagues will attend Annual Reviews 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
• Children moving to secondary school will visit their new school on several occasions and in many cases staff from the new school will visit your child in this school
• A number of focused transition workshops will take place in school to help prepare them for secondary school.
• Your child will do focused learning about aspects of transition to support their understanding of the changes ahead

At St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School we aim to be supportive so additional visit opportunities or multi-agency meetings can be organised if required.

If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.