In order to ensure a smooth transition for reception children:
- Our reception teachers visit nurseries and homes if the child is not in nursery provision during the term prior to the children starting school. During these visits, teachers meet the pupils and have valuable discussions about the children with nursery staff/parents.
- There are two school visits for the children during that same term, where the children meet staff and a buddy is assigned to them. (The buddy is a pupil from the current year 5 who will support the new starters in September during play times and dinner times).
- Parents meet the staff and have the opportunity to ask questions and share valuable information with the class teachers.
- Additional visits are arranged for pupils who have specific needs which require a little more support if thought useful.
- When pupils are already involved with other agencies, liaison takes place. This could be in the form of a report, a telephone conversation or a meeting where parents are invited.
How we support children/young people with SEN moving between classes in our school
As we are such a small school transition of this type rarely causes any issues. We operate with mixed age classes so there are times when children do not physically move rooms or class teachers. Where a move is taking place however details are fully shared amongst a small team of 4 class teachers and 3 Learning support assistants. This is done by the passing on of Cohort tracking data, class intervention impact files and resource matrices. As a close knit school staff pupil progress and wellbeing is discussed on a regular basis in staff meetings so that every staff member is aware of the individual learning needs of all children including those with SEND. At the end of the academic year each pupil takes part in a “class swap” day where they meet their new teacher and experience life in a different class. Children with SEND are supported by LSA’s during this process and if appropriate LSA’s will accompany them.
How we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
We have extensive links with a number of secondary colleagues with whom we work very closely throughout the school year. In past years we have had children leave us to move onto schools as varied as Wellfield, St. Bede’s Peterlee, Academy at Shotton Hall, Hopewood Easington, Dyke House Hartlepool, English Martyrs Hartlepool. Each school has its own in-built transition programme and we fully participate in this work in order to best prepare children for the next step in their learning journey. Children with additional learning needs are fully supported in this process and school staff will always accompany them on transition visits. Likewise Secondary colleagues are invited to attend Yr. 5 and Year 6 annual reviews in order to share information with parents/carers. This enables parents/carers to make the most informed placement for their child. We aim to ensure that all children who leave us are equipped with the appropriate skills, knowledge and maturity in order to make the move onto the next phase in their educational development.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.