We recognize that transitions can be difficult for a child with SEND and take steps to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible.
How we will support children with SEND when they are moving on to another class or leaving this school:
Transition
We endeavour to make transition to and from Wearhead Primary School as positive and stress free as possible for all our children and their families.
We know how important a successful transition is to our pupils with additional needs and work in close partnership with our feeder secondary schools to deliver an enhanced level of transition for those who we feel would benefit from this. This may take the form of supplementary visits for pupils, one to one / small group working with secondary school staff or pupil mentoring from secondary schools.
The period of transition depends on the individual needs of the pupil. If it is felt appropriate secondary school colleagues will attend Annual Reviews to meet the current class teacher, parents and most importantly the pupil. We have found this strategy particularly useful in easing any worries or concerns parents and pupils may have. We strive to involve parents/carers as much as possible in their child’s transition to secondary school. School staff will take opportunities to work alongside parents/carers to visit secondary schools in advance of secondary placement applications being submitted to the Local Authority.
This ensures parents/carers can make the most informed placement decision for their child. When a secondary school has been allocated to the child, parents are fully involved and consulted at all stages of the transition process.
We offer pre-school provision for children who are 3 years old. Children and their parents/carers are welcome to make an appointment to come and have a look around our school. This is an opportunity for staff introductions and for questions to be asked. The young person and their parent/carer are welcome to ‘stay and play’ in the pre-school setting. A pre-visit is then arranged for the child and parent/carers to come back to school closer to the time of entry. This is informal, but a valuable opportunity for the staff to find out more about the child and vice versa. A profile is completed about the young person by the teacher and parent/carer to enable staff to get to know the child better. The EYS staff can also arrange a home visit if this is felt necessary.
Transition Through School
Reception to Key Stage 1 (KS1)
The KS1 teacher is also head of EYFS and all children work together on a variety of occasions throughout the year. The groups operate within the same educational setting, hence transition from one group to the next almost goes unnoticed.
Key Stage 1 (KS1) to Key Stage 2 (KS2)
Our school is small so our children are not in any way intimidated by the transition from Key Stage 1 to 2. Children visit both key stages on a number of occasions and leading up to their transition spend a number of days in their new class with their new teacher. Parents get to meet the new teacher through open evening, assemblies, after school events etc..
Key Stage 2 (KS2) to Key Stage 3 (KS3)
We have established close links with our feeder secondary schools and transition starts in Year 5. Children follow a programme of transition involving all staff and parents from Year 5 which become more intense as we approach the summer of Year 6.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
