Effective transition at all stages is essential to ensure that children feel safe within the learning environment. At Willington Primary, we have systems in place to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible for all of our pupils.
Transition into Nursery and Reception
For any child joining our nursery, we consult with parents to gain a good understanding of each child, especially those with SEN. If a child has attended a setting previously, we will liaise closely with the SENCo or Key Worker at that setting and always aim to visit the setting. This allows us to spend time working with the child, observing them in a familiar environment and talking to their key worker. We offer all children and parents a visit to our nursery prior to starting and, where needed, we may arrange additional transition visits depending on identified needs. This may include shorter sessions initially to aid settling in.
Transition from Nursery to Reception Class is a big step for both our children and their parents. We aim to support our families through this important stage in a number of ways. Each year, Mrs Britton our EYFS lead, ensures the transition process is adapted to meet the needs of the children joining our Reception class.
Staff within our EYFS often work between our nursery and Reception class. This aids the transition from nursery to reception for children attending our nursery as they are already familiar with Reception staff. During the Summer Term, children also make regular visits to Reception Class at different times in the day and take part in shared provision, teacher-led activities.
For the children who attend other Nursery or Pre-School provision, our Reception Class teacher/EYFS Lead Mrs Britton will liaise with staff in their current setting. Following this, parents will be invited to visit school for an induction event. During induction, parents will meet staff and be given key information regarding starting school at Willington Primary. All children who are starting Reception in September will be offered regular visits from May half term. These will allow the children to share provision with the children they will be moving up with, as well as getting to know the classroom and staff in Reception. Additional visits and discussions with parents/carers will also be arranged when we feel this is needed.
Transition between classes
At Willington Primary we work closely within each milestone so children become familiar with each staff team. Transition is treated the same from Y1-Y6 and children are given the opportunity to take part in ‘Moving Up’ where children spend time with their new class teacher in their new classroom. Each year, all class teachers create a ‘Meet the teacher’ booklet that is sent home with each child. These introduce the children to the staff they will be working with in their new class and are lovely for them to share with their families over the Summer.
During the summer term, staff meet in pairs to do a class handover where important information about all children in the class, including those with SEND, is shared. For those children who require provision that is additional to or different from quality first teaching, we may make additional arrangements to support these children through the transition. This can include spending additional time in their new classroom, visiting their new classroom with their current member of support staff, beginning transition arrangements earlier in the Summer Term or photographs of their new classroom to take home and talk about with Parents and Carers during the Summer holidays. The support provided is tailored to the needs of individual children and will be discussed with parents/carers and the child.
How will the school prepare my child for the transition to Secondary school?
Once Secondary School places have been allocated, a Transition Worker works between our cluster of schools throughout the Spring and Summer Terms in Year 6. The transition worker liaises with children and our staff in order to ensure they are fully prepared for the next stage of their education. All children take part in a transition day where they will meet their new teacher and classmates. They will also have opportunities to participate in sample lessons.
As part of our transition package, the SENCO will ensure that all SEND information is passed onto the next school to ensure that they are fully aware of any additional needs a child may have. The SENCO will work closely with families to ensure that the needs of the individual are met to the best of her ability. For example, extra transition visits for both parents and pupils, involvement of SENDIASS (formerly Durham Parent Partnerships) or support around the social or emotional well-being of the pupil.
Joining our school at other times
If your child joins our school during a Key Stage or mid-way through the academic year, systems are in place to aid their transition from their previous school. When you visit our school, the Head Teacher, Mrs Harker, will give you a tour and your child will have opportunities to see their new classroom and meet their teacher. If your child has SEND, our SENCO will liaise with the SENCO from your child’s previous school to ensure that we have the required information to enable us to support your child fully. It would be beneficial if you could discuss your child’s needs with us and share any information you have when you visit.
Leaving our school
If your child leaves Willington Primary, the SENCO 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.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
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