Transition for pupils with SEN
All transitions between year groups, key stages or schools need careful management. If a child struggles with a transition, it can have a negative impact on their wellbeing and learning.
During any transition period, it is important that pupils:
- can express their concerns
- are supported to cope with changes
Some children find transition more difficult and need enhanced support, such as those:
- with special educational needs
- who have experienced trauma
Information sharing between settings or classes
Children with additional needs
It is vital to share information about children with additional needs.
This includes:
- their strengths and difficulties
- their interests
- successful strategies and approaches
- any resources needed
Schools can use the documents on this page to share information. It is important to also have face-to-face or virtual conversations.
Primary schools
Pupil information sharing form [21.3 KB] [docx]
Use this pupil sharing form to pass on information about pupils with difficult or dangerous behaviour who are moving to secondary school.
Secondary schools
Information sharing for vulnerable learners spreadsheet [102.0 KB] [xlsx]
Complete this spreadsheet for each further education provider, to share information about students who are applying there.
Information sharing for vulnerable learners guidance [109.8 KB] [docx]
This guidance explains:
- the definition of a vulnerable learner
- why we share information and informing the families
- when and how to share information
Access transition support
Contact your Link Adviser to discuss any children you are concerned about.
The Early Years Service (EYS) has transition support for starting school. It includes a multi-agency transition meeting. The EYS will contact SENCOs in schools receiving eligible children.
For pupils
All primary school SENCOs have the Communication, Learning and Autism Support Service (CLASS) transition booklets to support pupils. There are three booklets to support transition in KS1 to KS3.
The booklets are not just for children who need additional support, you can use them with all children.
For professionals
Vulnerable Learners Protocol
The protocol is to ensure a successful transition into post-16 for vulnerable young people. They need additional planning, support or monitoring to maximise their potential. The protocol outlines the responsibilities and activities for supporting them.
Vulnerable learner protocol Year 9-10 [164.5 KB] [docx]
Vulnerable learner protocol Year 11 [102.3 KB] [docx]
Vulnerable leaner protocol Year 12 [100.4 KB] [docx]
Contact routes [149.3 KB] [docx]
East Sussex children's services teams [71.9 KB] [docx]
Creating a sense of belonging [258.1 KB] [pdf]
Schools and further education providers should work together to identify vulnerabilities and ensure that additional planning is in place.
The Vulnerable Learners Protocol was developed in partnership with:
- schools
- further education (FE) providers
- Youth Employability Service (YES)
- East Sussex County Council Children’s Services teams
For families
We have a number of resources available to support families which can be found at: College, Courses and Education | East Sussex Local Offer
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