How we support children/young people with SEN starting at our school
At Wolsingham Primary School we recognise how important a successful transition is to our pupils with additional needs. We ensure that we receive all previous SEND information, reports and support plans from previous educational settings, so that we have a detailed picture of a pupil’s areas of difficulty and the strategies that are used to support them. We work closely with parents/carers to ensure that SEND pupils receive the pastoral and emotional support they may need. Effective communication is essential to ensure that pupils have a successful start to their time at Wolsingham Primary School.
How we support children/young people with SEN moving between classes in our school
Class teachers work closely together to ensure all information is passed on about SEND pupils. Some children require additional transition arrangements between year groups, e.g. additional time in new classroom, additional time with new teacher, social story book to familiarise themselves with new routines, etc.
How we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
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. The SENCO and Y6 class teacher produce transition passports for SEND pupils to ensure all key information is passed on to the secondary schools so that effective support can be put in place. 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.
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 are particularly keen 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.
