Transition in education settings: A short guide

‘Transition’ in education terms means moving into, between or out of educational settings. There are three key transition points in your child’s school life: 

  • Early years to primary school 
  • Primary to secondary school 
  • Secondary school to work, college or university 

Moving from one school or educational setting to another can be stressful and children and young people with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus often find transition more challenging than their peers. By following this guide, parents and teachers can help to make transition easier.

 

Person-centred planning

The best type of planning has the child or young person at its centre. Services should not simply focus on the process or what is thought of as ‘right’ for the child or young person. The young person should always be consulted and be involved in the process.

 

From early years to primary school

  • Share relevant information during transition visits
  • Give children the chance to visit their new school and join in a variety of lessons and sessions
  • Make an ‘All about my New School’ booklet with photos to look at and discuss regularly
  • Use stories to explain new situations
  • Give children opportunities to meet new staff 

 

Help the receiving school or educational setting to be prepared

There’s a duty on schools to ‘make reasonable adjustments’ where pupils with disabilities are placed at a ‘substantial disadvantage’. This duty is anticipatory and should be planned for well ahead of your child attending a school or moving through to transition to a new setting.  

Schools need to anticipate the requirements of pupils with disabilities and to make adjustments in advance 

Schools can do this by: 

  • Reading pupil profile, relevant reports and supporting documents, provision maps, SEN Support plan or EHC plan.  
  • Meeting and talking with parents and carers, and other key professionals. 
  • Observing the child in their current school before they join the new setting. 
  • Preparing all staff so they have a good understanding of the additional needs of your child. Parents can assist with staff briefing and training. 
  • Making families feel welcome and secure 
  • Current school need to pave the way by sharing information and the implications of an individual’s disability.

 

Pupils with EHC Plans in secondary school

From Year 9 onwards pupils with an EHC plan should have an Annual Review meeting, which considers what provision will be required to assist the young person in preparing for adulthood and independent living. This Annual Review is often called an Early Transition Review meeting. 

Preparing for Adulthood planning should include support to prepare for: 

  • Further or Higher Education or employment 
  • Independent living 
  • Developing and maintaining friendships
  • Creating circles of support 
  • Maintaining good health and wellbeing 

If your child has an EHC plan AND it is unlikely that they will be able to undertake unsupervised learning at college or it is unsafe to leave them at home unsupported, then the LA should consider providing a package of support across education, health and social care, covering 5 days a week. Five-day packages do not have to be with one provider and could be achieved with a range of appropriate providers in different settings.

 

Further Reading