How we support children/young people with SEN starting at our school
- We offer flexible nursery provision with a high level of support for all of our pupils. We now offer two-year-old provision both privately and for those parents in receipt of a ‘golden ticket’ Children can enter nursery from the term after their third birthday and receive either 15 or 30 hours depending on eligibility. We are very proud of our transition between both our two-year-old provision and nursery and nursery into reception where all children are supported on an individual level.
- All new Reception children are admitted annually into school in September. Transition arrangements begin in July each year with children having the opportunity to spend time in their new classroom with peers and staff as well as the opportunity to stay for a school lunch. Staff will focus transition work on settling children into their new environment and giving children the opportunity to get to know their class group in advance of the start of the academic year.
- We offer bespoke, enhanced transition for children with SEND. Depending on a child’s need, they may be invited to transition sessions when the classroom is empty in order to get used to their new classroom in a calm, quiet environment.
- Reception teachers, and our EYFS lead, will liaise with Nursery teachers to understand the needs of each child; this includes children who have come from other settings. Our EYFS Lead and our Pastoral Manager will communicate with SENCOs from other settings to ensure that each child’s transition into Reception centres on the child’s needs.
- LA transition forms are completed for all children with additional need which informs the receiving school of a child’s needs and appropriate strategies to support them.
- If you require more information specific to EYFS transition, then please contact our EYFS coordinator Charlotte Norman.
How we support children/young people with SEN moving between classes in our school
- We support children to move positively between classes. We do this with set routines in school so all children understand what is expected of them.
- We provide children with SEN or social difficulties 1:1 support during transition periods.
- Children spend time with their new teachers and classes over two sessions before the end of the academic year. These sessions are carefully planned to include activities that will support relationship building and making the children feel supported.
- We utilise the expertise of our Place2Be SPM who delivers workshops, across school, on the theme of ‘Transition’ in the summer term. Place2Talk is available for all children who are concerned about transitioning into new classes. A ‘building relationships’ workshop’ is rolled out in the Autumn term to support peer relationships and develop social skills within new classes.
- Our robust PSHE curriculum has a dedicated transition lesson for all year groups.
- For funded children, support staff may move from KS1 into KS2 with a child for the first half term, as part of their enhanced transition package, to support them in this significant change.
How we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
- Admissions to Secondary schools are managed centrally by Durham County Council. A child transfers to Secondary school in September following his/her 11th birthday.
- There are regular meetings between Headteachers and teachers to discuss transition arrangements for our children. Children are also given the opportunity to spend time and participate in exciting projects run by our local Secondary schools throughout the year.
- Our Pastoral Manager will liaise in person with the SENCO of all receiving secondary schools during the transition period. Within these meetings, the child’s bespoke needs will be discussed: triggers will be shared as will provision and strategies that have been successful when working with the child. The pastoral manager will ensure the receiving school have everything they need to support the child well.
- LA transition forms are completed for all children with additional need which informs the receiving school of a child’s needs and appropriate strategies to support them.
- Visit the Durham County Council website for information regarding the school admission process and primary school admissions. To appeal against an admission decision visit: School admissions-appeals.
- If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
