At Thornhill Primary School we recognise how important a successful transition is for all our SEND children.
The school ensures a smooth transition occurs from year group to year group by pupils visiting their new classroom and being taught by their new teacher for a day at the end of the Summer Term. Pupils in our school benefit with working with most staff, so the staff are known to them throughout the school.
Information details, on any special educational needs, disabilities or health issues, are passed on to the new teacher. Staff work hard to get to know all pupils within school and build excellent relationships with them.
Nursery to Reception
New nursery children benefit from new starter meetings and sessions and there is a series of transition events in the Summer term for new Reception children. Staff liaise with other nurseries / schools and external agencies to ensure there is a smooth transition for our younger pupils.
Reception to Year 1
All information is passed to the next teacher and there will be an SEN meeting with parents at the end of the academic year if requested. Pupils benefit in the Summer term from a day in their new class as well as their new teacher working in their class.
KS1 to KS2
Children who have a Statement or Educational Health & Care Plan will have transition issues reviewed in Year 2.This will involve staff from both key stages to ensure the best practice is put in place to support your child from infants to juniors.
KS2 to KS3
We work in close collaboration with the main feeder secondary schools to ensure smooth transition. Transition workers from secondary school visit the children in their primary setting in order to get to know them and the Y6 teacher works alongside them to ensure the relevant information is passed on and all needs are met.
Children visit the secondary school for a Move Up Day or week and in some cases extra days are timetabled in where necessary. Children who have a Statement or Educational Health & Care Plan will look at transition to secondary school in Year 5. This will involve staff from both primary and secondary school.
All Y5 pupils benefit from a Curriculum Week with our main feeder schools to support decision on secondary placements. The SENCO is available to support parents/carers with visits to the secondary schools.
The school works with parents/carers to ensure they 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.
All children with a Statement or Education Health Care Plans will have an Annual Review where transition will be discussed.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.