How are transitions supported?

Transitions can be challenging for all children, but they can be even more challenging for pupils with SEND. 

At all LEO Academy Trust schools we take steps to ensure that any transition phase is as smooth as possible. 

Transition from Cheam Common Infants’ Academy 

• Transition meetings will be held for children who have already been identified as having additional needs – these are often supported by professionals already involved with them. 

• A graduated transition, including additional visits to the Junior School,  may be appropriate for children with significant needs 

• We review all assessments and reports already carried out from previous settings or professionals so that recommendations and targets can continue without disruption. 

When transitioning into a new year group 

• In depth hand-over meetings are held where teachers and support staff are able to share information about each child, including specific details on how best to support the children with SEND in the class. 

• All learning plans are shared with the new class team.

• Depending on their needs, children may have a social story and transition book to prepare them for their new classroom and teaching staff. 

• All children attend a transition morning/afternoon in summer term. Children with additional needs may have extra opportunities to meet and become familiar with their new staff team. 

Year 6 to Secondary School 

• We support parents and carers in making decisions about the most suitable secondary schools for their children, and we work with them to ensure the transition from KS2 to KS3 is smooth. 

• For children with EHCPs, secondary options will be discussed at the Year 5 Annual Review meeting

• The LEA usually offers a Secondary Transfer/ Information day depending on the LEA, where information about children’s needs will be shared. 

• The SENDCo sends all relevant information across to the secondary school

• Where possible, children may have additional visits to their secondary schools and in some cases staff from their new school will visit children in their Year 6 setting.

• Some children may be given a transition book with photographs and information about their new school. 

If a child or young person is moving to another school

• Contact is made with the new school’s SEND team to ensure they are aware of any special arrangements or support which is currently in place.

• All records about a child or young person are passed on as soon as possible.

 If a child or young person is joining us from another school 

• Some children may be given a transition book with photographs and information about the school if needed. 

• Contact will be made with the previous school to discuss needs. 

• Visits to the school will be arranged to familiarise children with their new setting.

• A gradual phased transition will be offered if needed. This means they will start or finish the school day at different times to their peers until they are settled. This would be reviewed weekly.