Effective transition at all stages is essential to ensure that children feel safe within the learning environment. At St. Joseph’s, we have systems in place to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible for all of our pupils.
How we support children with SEN starting at our school
Transition from Nursery to Reception is a big step for both our children and their parents/carers. We aim to support our families through this important stage in a number of ways. Mrs. M. Quiney, our EYFS lead and Reception Class teacher, has very close links with our feeder nurseries and ensures she visits all pupils due to start at St. Joseph’s in their nursery setting prior to them starting school. Following this, parents will be invited to visit school for an induction evening. During induction parents will meet key staff and listen to short presentations by relevant parties. All children who are starting Reception in September will be invited to attend a ‘Moving Up’ Morning in the summer term. They will attend for half a day to meet our staff and explore St. Joseph’s Early Years provision. We also run a ‘School Start’ trail during the summer term for our new families (a treasure trail which enables pupils and their families to familiarise themselves with the key areas around school).
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. A. D. Thorpe, 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 SENDCO will liaise with the SENDCO 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.
How we support children with SEN moving between classes in our school
At St Joseph’s we work closely across the school so children become familiar with each staff member. Transition is treated the same at every juncture 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. During the summer term, staff meet to share information and, for those children who require provision that is additional to or different from quality first teaching, we make additional arrangements to support 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 we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
If your child leaves St. Joseph’s at any point, 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.
Once Secondary School places have been allocated, we work closely with Transition Workers from any feeder schools. The vast majority of our pupils from St. Joseph’s transition to St. Bede’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, with whom we have very strong links. Mrs. B. Meggeson from St. Bede’s meets with relevant school staff, including Mr. M. Grogan (Assistant Headteacher and Year 6 Teacher), to discuss each pupil and their needs. St. Bede’s staff also visit St. Joseph’s and deliver sample lessons during the summer term prior to our pupils visiting St. Bede’s for taster days and Welcome Mass.
As part of our transition package, the SENDCO 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. 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.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
