How do we support pupils moving between phases and preparing for adulthood?

At Lark Rise Academy, we recognise that transitions can be a challenge for children with SEND and therefore ensure that support is in place to make transitions as easy for the children as possible. 

When a child moves to another school, either at the end of Year 6 or at another time in their school career, we contact the SENDCo at the new school to ensure they are fully aware of the child's SEND need and effective support strategies which have been successful for the child.  We encourage the child to visit their new school in addition to planned transition visits and pass all records (SEND Support Plans, reports from external agencies etc) to the new school. 

If a child has an EHCP, a member of staff from the child's new school will be invited to the last annual review held at Lark Rise Academy to support information sharing and planning ahead.

We also support children with SEND transitioning between year groups and key stages within Lark Rise Academy.  Information about the child is passed to the new teacher(s) in advance of the transition with SEND Support Plans and reports from external professionals being made available as required.  Opportunities for children to visit their new class are planned for with support from a familiar adult.  Where transition is particularly difficult for a child, a photograph book with details of their new classroom, teachers etc is made for the children to look at with their parents/carers during the summer holidays.

If visits to their new class are not possible, messages and photographs are used to support the child with understanding the upcoming changes.