SEND Transition
Effective transition at all stages is essential to ensure that children feel safe within the learning environment. At Skerne Park Academy, we have systems in place to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible for all of our pupils.
Transition into Reception
Transition from Nursery to Reception Class is 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. We have a private nursery facility on site, as well as our own nursery, that works collaboratively with our Reception class to support the smooth transition from Nursery to Reception gradually over the final Summer Term. Early Years staff ensure that children make regular visits to Reception and are familiar with Reception staff.
For children who attend other Nursery or Pre-School provision our Early Years staff will visit your child in their current setting. Following this, parents will be invited to visit school for an induction morning. During induction, parents will meet all the staff and listen to short presentations by relevant staff. All children will attend for the induction morning to meet our staff, explore our Early Years provision and have lunch in school!
Transition between classes
At Skerne Park Academy we work closely within each milestone so children become familiar with each staff team. Transition is treated the same at every juncture and children are given the opportunity to take part transition days where children spend time with their new class teacher in their new classroom. During the summer term staff meet to share information and for those children who require provision that is additional to or different from quality first teaching we make additional arrangements to support these children through the transition. This can include spending additional time in their new classroom, visiting their new classroom with their current member of support staff, beginning transition arrangements earlier in the Summer Term or providing photographs of their new classroom to take home and talk about with parents/carers during the summer holidays. The support provided is tailored to the needs of individual children and will be discussed with parents, carers and the child.
Transition into Key Stage Three
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 additional visits for pupils, one to one / small group working with secondary school staff or pupil mentoring from secondary schools. This ensures that bridges are built between schools, key information shared between staff and the child is given the opportunity to settle into a new routine with the support of a familiar adult. Additional meetings may also be held involving professionals to discuss transition arrangements. SENDCOs from our school and the new school will meet to discuss individual children’s needs and hand over documents. Children may be offered a place in summer school at their new school (if available) if transitioning across the summer break.
Joining our school at other times
If your child joins our school during a Key Stage or mid-way through the academic year, systems are in place to aid their transition from their previous school. When you visit our school you and your child will be offered a guided tour of the school and your child will have the opportunity to see their new classroom and meet their teacher. If your child has SEND, our SENDCO will liaise with the SENDCO 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.
Leaving our school
If your child leaves Skerne Park Academy, the SENDCO 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.
