{{ root_page.title }}
Transition
It is important to plan and prepare for transition as part of a child or young person's special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support. If your child has an EHCP, check out our page on Transitions with an EHCP.
Transitions should be planned for as early as possible so that all relevant information can be shared to prepare the new school or setting.
The main educational phase transitions are:
- early years to primary school
- primary to secondary school
- secondary school to further education (college/sixth form) or employment
A child may also transition within any school year, due to things such as house moves or changes to their SEND that require different provision or support to be made for them.
Planning for transition
SEN support should include planning and preparation for the transitions between phases of education and preparation for adult life. To support transition, the school should share information with the school, college or other setting the child or young person is moving to. Schools should agree with parents and pupils the information to be shared as part of this planning process. Where a pupil is remaining at the school for post-16 provision, this planning and preparation should include consideration of how to provide a high quality study programme – SEND Code of Practice 6:57
The current school or setting should share information as soon as possible, including:
- pupil profiles
- past reports
- provision maps
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
- attendance and behaviour data
- mobility and communication needs
- special measures to support learning, supervision and visual aids
You should also be in regular communication with school, so that you know what is being shared and put into place for your child.
You could make suggestions for things that you feel will help your child with the transition. This could include asking for things such as:
- A transition book with photographs of the new classroom, setting or staffing
- Information on what to expect and who will be your new contact in the new class, school or setting
- A copy of the transition plan that you can share with your child to help them feel prepared. Including visual aids and photographs if needed.
- whether there will be any visits or settling sessions to the new environment, and how these will be supported.
It’s also important to make sure that your child's voice is also heard. We advise talking to them about how they feel about a transition and think about what might make them feel more prepared for it.
Key dates for applying for schools
Transition to Primary
You need to complete the Common Application Form, stating your preference schools, from 1st September with a closing date of the 15th January. Details on how to apply are available on the Admissions page.
It is important that you consider each school’s admission arrangements and previous years’ application rates before deciding on your preference schools.
You will receive the outcome of your application on the 18th April.
Transition to Secondary
You need to complete the Common Application Form, stating your preference schools, by 31st October in Year 6. Details on how to apply are available on our website.
It is important that you consider each school’s admission arrangements and previous years’ application rates before deciding on your preference schools.
You will receive the outcome of your application on National Offer Day in early March of Year 6.
Induction days are typically organised by secondary schools at the beginning of July, prior to secondary transfer, to give students a “taster” day of being at secondary school. Some outreach services provide additional supported sessions to aid the transition process.
Useful Links
Support for transition to Primary School
Getting ready to move to Secondary School