SEN Transition
Effective transition at all stages is essential to ensure that children feel safe within the learning environment. At St. Patrick’s, we have systems in place to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible for all of our pupils.
How we support children/young people with SEN starting at our school
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. Mrs Victoria Pygall (Early Years Foundation Stage Leader) works closely with the EYFS team in order to ensue that all children (whether they attend St. Patrick’s Nursery or join us from other settings) have the opportunity to visit the Reception Classes during the final Summer Term. The Early Years timetable (across the year) is planned to ensure nursery children make regular visits to the Reception Classes and are familiar with Reception staff through shared provision, Early Years trips and special events throughout the year.
For the children who attend other Nursery or Pre-School provision, parents will be invited to visit school with their children, initially for an hour a day and then the children are invited to attend for an additional hour without their parents. Parents are also invited to attend the induction evening. During induction parents will meet all the staff and listen to short presentations. They will receive information, guidance and advice relating to school uniform, school meals, school routines, outdoor visits and how best to support their children in the run up to starting school and during their first year.
How we support children/young people with SEN moving between classes in our school
We work closely across the school so children become familiar with each staff member. Transition is treated the same at every juncture and children are given the opportunity to take part in a ‘Moving Up Day’, where they spend time with their new class teacher in their new classroom. During the summer term, the current class teacher and the new class teacher both attend the SEN Support Plan review meeting with the child (if appropriate) and parent/carer. This ensures that essential information is shared and, for those children who require it, additional arrangements are planned to support 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 photographs of their new classroom to take home and talk about with Parents and Carers during the Summer holidays.
How we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
If your child leaves St. Patrick’s at any point, the SENCO 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.
Once Secondary School places have been allocated, we work closely with Transition Workers from any feeder schools. The vast majority of our pupils from St. Patrick’s transition to St. Bede’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, with whom we have very strong links. Staff from St. Bede’s meet with Year 6 teachers to discuss each pupil and their needs. St. Bede’s staff also visit St. Patrick’s and deliver sample lessons during the summer term prior to our pupils visiting St. Bede’s for taster days and Welcome Mass.
As part of our transition package, the SENCO 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. The SENCO will work closely with families to ensure that the needs of the individual are met to the best of their ability. For example, extra transition visits for both parents and pupils, involvement of SENDIASS (formerly Durham Parent Partnerships) or support around the social or emotional well-being of the pupil.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.