Transition Plans & Reviews
What is a transition Plan?
At specific times, a child comes to a point when there is a change in the type of school he or she will attend due to their age. When that change occurs, it is said to be a 'Transition'. The normal 'transitions' are at the end of:
- Reception to Infant Year 1
- Year 2 Infant to Junior Year 3
- Year 6 Junior to Secondary Year 7
When a child has a statement of Special Educational Needs, the annual review of the SEN statement which takes place before the child changes school will be regarded as a 'Transition Review'.
It is recommended that (transition) Annual Reviews for Year 2 and Year 6 children who have statements of Special Educational Needs should be scheduled to take place before 15th February in the year they change school.
Although all of these transition times are important for those with SEN statements, two of them are more significant.
The first is when the transition is from Junior to Secondary School. (year 6).
Each individual school has special arrangements in place to provide for children with additional Special Educational Needs when they are in year 6 primary. before they go to the secondary school the following September.
The second and more important review is called the "14+ transition". From year 9 onwards (14 years +), a "14+ transition" plan is prepared as well as the Annual Review report. It is updated at each annual review meeting which follows until your child leaves school.
The transition plan looks at your child's needs as adult life approaches and seeks to look at any further educational opportunities, training or employment which may be available. Before this review takes place you and your child will be given the opportunity to comment on different things for the review in a report.
What should I add to my report?
- What you expect for your child as school comes to an end
- What you can contribute in terms of helping your child develop the personal and social skills needed for adult life.
- What practical help your child may require.
How can I find out more?
You can get more information from your child's school. In the first instance, talk to your child's class teacher, Year Tutor or the School's Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), the school secretary or receptionist will be able to give you their names.
The Local Authority (LA) Pupil Services may also be able to give you information about the current position in relation to your child's case. For pupils who are in year 9 or above. the Connexions Personal Advisor may also be able to provide help and advice.
In any event, Oldham Parent Partnership Service can give information about more contacts and sources of help and information.
Also see "useful contacts".
You may also wish to look at Sction 10 of the SEN Toolkit; "Transition Planning" (SEN and Disability Act 2002 - DfES 558/2001).