Effective transition at all stages is essential to ensure that children feel safe and supported within the learning environment.
Transition into Reception
Transition from Nursery to Reception can be 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. In the Summer Term, our Reception Staff will contact the current Nursery provisions children are attending and may visit the setting if appropriate. Following this, parents will be invited to visit school for an induction evening. During induction, parents will meet the staff and be provided with all necessary information.
In September, children starting in Reception will beginning with a morning visit on the first day followed by morning and staying for lunch on the second.
If parents, Nursery staff or other professionals feel additional transition sessions would be beneficial, these can be arranged in the Summer Term before they begin King Street. These sessions could include them visiting us or our staff visiting them in their current setting.
Any children in receipt of Early Years Funding will have access to an enhanced transition which is monitored by the Local Authority.
Parent will also be invited to information sessions on phonics and Early Reading and Stay and Play sessions in the Autumn term so they can feel more familiar with the learning environment.
Transition mid-year
If a child arrives at school mid-year the same opportunity for visiting and discussion prior to starting is offered to parents to ensure as smooth a move as possible for each pupil. When visiting our school, you will be given 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.
At King Street, we have a flexible approach and additional visit opportunities or multi-agency meetings can be organised if required. If you have any questions about our SEND Local Offer please contact the school and we will try our best to help you.
Transition between classes
Transition within school, from year to year, is supported so that the children have met with their new teachers and are familiar with the new classroom environment and organisation before moving on. This is very much tailored to the individual needs of the child. All pupils take part in ‘Moving up’ morning in the summer term however additional transition can be organised. This could include spending time in their new classroom and spending time getting to know the staff they are going to be working with.
Senior leaders hold pupil progress meetings with staff. A child’s current teacher has a formal transition meeting with their new teacher before the start of a new academic year to discuss any relevant information. Teaching assistants also liaise with staff to share any relevant information with new staff. If it is felt necessary, the most familiar member of support staff may accompany a child into their new class initially to aid transition.
Our SEN Support Plans currently run from May to October, giving staff and children time to settle into the class and get to know each other with provision already in place following them from one year to the next.
Transition into Key Stage Three
We recognise how important a successful transition into secondary school is for all of our pupils but particularly for those with additional needs. 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. This may take the form of:
- close liaison between staff here with secondary staff so they are fully aware of the needs of the pupils moving into their school
- additional support from transition workers
- additional visits for pupils and parents
- one to one / small group working with secondary school staff
- all relevant documentation passed to the Secondary School
The period of transition depends on the individual needs of the pupil. 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. 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, if you feel this is necessary. 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.
Similar meetings will take place to support transition if a child moves to another school during their primary years, and all relevant information is shared to ensure support needs are made clear to staff in the new school.
Leaving our school
If your child leaves King Street, 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.
