SEND -transitions
At Staunton and Corse Academy, we are aware that transitioning to a new class, key stage, or school may be especially stressful for students with SEND and can provide practical challenges as well.
Since most students enrol in September, we host two transition days at the end of the summer term: one in June or July for the new reception students, and another in July for all students advancing to a new class or year group. This gives the students the chance to get to know their new teacher and class and participate in enjoyable activities in their new classrooms. Children from elsewhere who are due to start at the school often attend these sessions and usually find that they really help to settle their nerves over the long summer holidays! (Please visit this page for more information if your child is going to start in our reception class.)
Pupils moving up to school from nursery are often already very familiar with the school environment before they start. Nursery children often meet with our reception class for Forest school and reading.
If a child is moving to us from a different school or nursery, a tour (within school and nursery hours) can be made by booking an appointment with the main school office. This gives children and parents alike the opportunity to see what Staunton and Corse Academy are like on a normal day-to-day basis. Where necessary, we may feel that it is appropriate for a child to have additional visits to their teacher and classroom in the lead up to the transition, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If a child has specific physical difficulties, it may be necessary to make additional visits to the school prior to the child’s first day, in order to complete risk assessments, ensure appropriate resources are in place, and train staff. In previous years, at this time, we have worked alongside the Local Authority’s Occupational Therapy team to ensure that appropriate procedures and resources are in place.
It is the responsibility of the previous school a child may have attended to transfer any relevant paperwork to their new school. For children with SEND, this will then be read by the school’s SENDCo and passed on to their new class teacher. If parents have any particular concerns they wish to discuss with either the SENDCo or class teacher, an appointment can be made, Your information and support are both important and useful to us!
We also think very carefully about the transition of pupils leaving us in Year 6 to go to secondary school. Most secondary schools in the area offer a transition day as standard, which usually take place in the middle of June. Some local schools have now started offering a full week during August. If a child with SEND has particular concerns about attending secondary school, we can also arrange additional visits. In previous years, a member of staff has taken individual children or small groups to visit the new school at a quieter time.
Useful websites:
Transition tips for pupils with SEND (Young minds) aimed at primary to secondary: click here
The parents' guide to secondary school: transition for SEN children: click here
Coping with school life: practical strategies to help autistic children click here
How to build your child's independence : click here
Settling a child with SEN back into school : click here
Supporting School transitions: please see this website, Young Minds for a wealth of information
Files to download
Key Skills for secondary school
Transition tips for secondary school
Please visit this page for statutory information on SEND, and here for information on mental health and wellbeing.
