Moving from Primary to Secondary School

This can be a worrying time for all parents and children.

Whatever your child’s difficulty or disability, you will want to feel that the secondary school they attend can meet their needs.

Whether or not your child has a statement, it is important to consider visiting all the schools that might meet his/her needs.

Make an appointment to see the Head teacher and/or go to an open evening to have a look around.

Ask

To meet the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.
To see the Special Educational Needs Policy.
What support may be available for your child.

If your child has a statement the year 5 review is the time to start planning for their move to secondary school.

A statement of Special Educational Needs must be reviewed and amended no later than 15th February in the year of transfer.

How do I know what schools are available in my area?

The Local Authority (LA) will also give you information on all the schools in your area on request.

How can I decide which secondary school can best meet my child’s needs?

Try to have an open mind and visit a selection of schools which you think may be able to meet your child’s needs.
Talk to any professionals who are involved with your child now and ask what they think.
Talk to the Parent Partnership Service.

Can I actually choose which secondary school my child attends?

You can say which school you would prefer your child to go to. A lot will depend on whether your child has Special Educational Needs and whether they have Statemented support. See - School choice and SEN

How will I know that the secondary school is making plans to help my child?

Once your child has been offered a place at a school, the Head teacher, Special Needs Co-ordinator and any other professionals involved with supporting your child should;

Organise any extra support they decide your child needs.
If appropriate, develop an Individual Education Plan.
Give you regular feedback on how your child is progressing.
Involve you and your child in their learning programme.

How can I be sure my child is making progress?

Talk to his/her form teacher/tutor, special educational needs co-ordinator and other staff involved. Ask for a meeting if you are worried and share your concerns. Try and GET INVOLVED in your child's school.

If your child is receiving additional help or support in school, through the ‘Graduated Response’ due to their Special Educational Needs, then you ask -

If the SEN records from the primary school have been transferred.
If there is a proposed date for the next review of the Individual Education Plan.

If your child has a statement of special educational needs you can also clarify -

The date of the next annual review of the statement.
The name of anyone who has involvement with your child’s special needs, whom you would like to attend that review meeting.

Everyone working in partnership can help your child reach their potential.

Remember - Talking to your child about a new school is important, discuss what type of school he or she would be happy in.

Most secondary school have members of staff who have responsibility for Primary School Liaison. If your child has Special Educational Needs, some primary schools make arrangements with the Secondary school for pupils with special needs to visit the secondary school at a different time from when all the other year 6 children are visiting.

These visits can be additional to the one for the rest of the school. Ask your child’s primary school teacher or the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)