How we support children/young people with SEN starting at our school.
Primary Transition
We want to do everything we can to make your child’s experience of school life as happy and rewarding as possible. We are aware that starting primary school is a big step for children and parents. This can be particularly daunting for parents of pupils with SEND. In order to make this transition as easy as possible, we arrange a number of visits to school in the term before your child starts. This enables parents and children to become more familiar with life at St. Patrick’s.
Starting St. Patrick’s – the induction process is as follows:
- An information sharing session for the parents/carers of new starters with a number of staff present who will be able to answer any questions a parent/carer may have and who will hopefully be able to reassure should there be any concerns. A representative from Taylor Shaw, school catering, with input on school meals and any particular dietary requirements.
- We also have a number of other transition activities beginning with a ‘School Start’ session, which is an informal event offering the opportunity for parent and your child to take part in simple activities that will help you familiarise yourselves with our school environment and school life. There are a number of ‘School Stops’ for participants to complete.
- Following on from this, we invite all our new starters and accompanying adults to visit us for a school lunch. After lunch, children will then be able to work in their classroom as well as meet Y6 buddies, who will have the special job of helping our newest pupils settle in. Whilst children are with the class teacher, accompanying adults can stay for further refreshments. Otherwise, children can be collected at 2.45pm.
- A final session is held in July which coincides with our ‘Moving-Up Day’, when all pupils spend time with new teachers. By that stage, parents and children usually feel right at home!
This induction schedule can be adapted and modified to meet the needs of individuals with SEND and additional visits can be arranged to ensure a smooth transition for nursery to Reception.
Transition within our school setting
Transition within primary school as pupils move onto their next class.
Every effort is made to ensure a smooth transition for each pupil as each new academic year begins. Pupils with SEND, and their parents/carers, will have the opportunity to meet the new class teacher, in advance, to establish positive relationships, as early as possible. Pupils also visit new classrooms to familiarise themselves with their new working environment. This helps to reduce anxiety. All appropriate information is shared between staff.
In-year transfer from another school
As is the case for all families, we begin with discussions with parents/carers to gather information about the new pupil – this is to ensure school is well prepared to meet any additional, individual need. Parents/carers and pupil will then be invited to look around school so everyone is familiar with the way the layout, the way the school operates and expectations.
Parents/school will negotiate an individual, timely induction, which will take into account any additional needs.
Primary to Secondary School Transition
The transition programme from primary to secondary is comprehensive and varied. Starting in Y5, and continuing through to the end of Y6, pupils have the chance to work with key members of transition staff here at St. Patrick’s and during visits to St. Bede’s. This gives pupils the chance to familiarise themselves fully with the staff, layout, expectations and organisation of their new school.
Furthermore, meetings are arranged to ensure parents are fully engaged in the process. Additional opportunities to meet with the inclusion team are available for parents of SEND pupils, as this gives more time to discuss any areas of concern. Member of the inclusion team are also invited to attend any Y5 or Y6 review meetings. Parents who are looking for a change in provision for their child will be supported by staff in school. Staff are available, by prior appointment, to accompany families during visits to other schools.
Summer schools places are available for pupils who would benefit from additional, informal opportunities to prepare for the move from primary to secondary education.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
