Transition is a part of life for all learners, whether it is moving to a new class, key stage or to a new school. Effective transition at all stages, therefore, is essential to ensure that children feel safe within the learning environment. We recognise that moving on can be difficult for children, especially so for those with SEND. Consequently, we work closely with parents/carers, children, staff and specialist transition workers to ensure transitions work as smoothly as possible.
Transition from Nursery to 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. Our Reception class teacher will visit your child in their current nursery setting. Following this, parents will be invited to visit school for an induction session. During induction parents will meet staff and listen to a short presentation from the Head Teacher. All children who are starting Reception in September will be invited to attend three sessions to meet our staff and explore the Early Years provision within their new classroom. The last of these is ‘Moving Up Day’ when every child moves into their new class and new Reception children are welcome to join us for lunch.
Transition from class to class or key stage to key stage is treated the same at every juncture and children are given the opportunity to take part in ‘Moving Up Day’ where children spend time with their new class teacher in their new classroom. During the summer term 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. The support provided is tailored to the needs of individual children and will be discussed with parents and carers.
Once Secondary School places have been allocated, a Transition Worker works between our cluster of schools throughout the Spring and Summer Terms in Year 6. The transition worker liaises with children and families in order to ensure they are fully prepared for the next stage of their education. All Durham Secondary schools have transition days where your child can meet their new class teacher and their classmates. They will also have opportunities to participate in sample lessons. Planning for transition to KS3 will take place in the summer term. We begin consideration of transition for SEND children as early as possible to ensure adequate time for planning and preparation, for some children this starts in year 5.
During Year 6 information, agreed with parents/carers will be shared with the Transition worker and SENDCO of the receiving school. This information will outline the needs and support that has proved effective. Children visit their new school during the summer term of Year 6; extra days/visits are arranged if it is felt it will be helpful for some children. Staff from secondary schools also visit our school to begin building relationships with their new intake.
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, Mrs Keenan, 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.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
