At Tudhoe Colliery Primary we recognise how important a successful transition is to our pupils with additional needs.
How we support children/young people with SEN starting at our school
Parents of new starters for Reception are provided with the following opportunities:
- Walk round with Headteacher.
- Virtual Tours on the website
- Photobooks
- Parent Open Information Event – includes presentation from Health, EP and Speech and Language.
- Children’s visits to Reception class in the summer term.
- During the summer term, SENDCo and Reception teacher visit nurseries of the children who are due to start.
How we support children/young people with SEND moving between classes in our school
Transition from each Year Group is supported so that the children have met with their new teachers and are familiar with the new classroom environment and organisation. In addition the previous and new teachers come together with the SENDCO to share common practice to ensure a smooth transition. The SENDCO will also share any specialist reports with your child’s new teacher.
How we support children/young people moving to an alternative provision
Children with SEND that have been issued with an Education, Health and Care plan can attend Tudhoe Colliery Primary for their Primary education or consider applying to a Special School if that meets their individual specific needs. However if you start at Tudhoe Colliery and feel provision at a special school would be better, then Tudhoe Colliery Primary would call an emergency review and invite your caseworker from county hall and all professionals involved with your child to consider if another provision would be more appropriate. When considering transition to Secondary education, your child can then be assessed for Special School if a parent wishes them to attend this type of setting.
If your child leaves Tudhoe Colliery Primary, 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.
How we support children/young people with SEND 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. 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.