How we support children/young people with SEN starting at our school
At Forest-in-Teesdale Primary School our new starters for Reception are provided with the following opportunities to aid their transition:
- Parent Open Information Event
- Children’s visits to class in the Summer Term
- Pupils invited for School Lunch
- Social events early on in Reception years, so parents feel familiar with the learning environment
If a child arrives at school mid-year the same opportunity for visiting and discussion prior to starting is offered to parents to ensure as smooth a move as possible for each pupil. At Forest-in-Teesdale Primary School we have a flexible approach and additional visit opportunities or multi-agency meetings can be organised if required. If you have any questions about our SEND Local Offer please contact the school and we will try our best to help you.
How we support children/young people with SEN moving between classes in our school
Transition within school is very much tailored to the individual needs of the child and is supported so that the children have met with their new teachers and are familiar with the new classroom environment and organisation before moving on. Senior leaders hold pupil progress meetings with staff. A child’s current teacher has a formal transition meeting with their new teacher before the start of a new academic year to discuss any relevant information. Teaching assistants also liaise with staff to share any relevant information with new staff.
How we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
We recognise how important a successful transition into secondary school is for all of our pupils but particularly for those with additional needs. 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:
- close liaison between staff here with secondary staff so they are fully aware of the needs of the pupils moving into their school
- additional support from transition workers
- additional visits for pupils and parents
- one to one / small group working with secondary school staff
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, if you feel this is necessary. 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.
