Effective transition at all stages is essential to ensure that children feel safe within the learning environment. At Hamsterley, we have systems in place to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible for all of our pupils.
Transition into Reception
Transition from Nursery to Reception Class is a big step for both children and their parents. We aim to support our families through this important stage in a number of ways.
For the children who attend Nursery or Pre-School provision our Reception Class teachers Mrs Cowans or Mrs Stephens will visit your child in their current setting. Following this, parents will be invited to visit school for an induction evening. During induction parents will meet all the staff and listen to short presentation about relevant parties such as Taylor Shaw (school catering), Elizabeth’s Embroidery & School Trends (uniform suppliers) and receive information on starting school. All children who are starting Reception in September will be invited to attend ‘Starting School’ visits in July. They will attend for three half days to meet our staff and explore our Early Years provision meeting the children in our mixed age class.
Joining our school at other times
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 Cowans, 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 SENCO will liaise with the SENCO 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/young people with SEN moving between classes in our school
We have two classes: Class 1 which consists of the Reception and KS1 children (children aged 4 to 7), and Class 2 for the KS2 children (aged 7-11). As a small school, our children know all the teachers and the two classrooms really well, and the teachers know all the children as individuals. Transition between the two classes is supported so that the children can spend time with their new teacher and are familiar with the classroom environment and organisation.
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 these children through the 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. The support provided is tailored to the needs of individual children and will be discussed with parents and carers and the child.
How we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
Transition into Key Stage Three
Our children move on to many different secondary schools. We work in partnership with all these secondary schools to provide an enhanced level of transition for those who we feel would benefit from this. This may take the form of additional visits for pupils, one to one/small group working with secondary school staff or pupil mentoring from secondary schools. We are keen to involve parents/carers as much as possible in their child’s transition to secondary school to ensure they can make the most informed placement decision for their child. When a secondary school has been allocated to the child, parents are fully involved and consulted at all stages of the transition process
Once Secondary School places have been allocated, a Transition Worker works between our cluster of schools throughout the Spring and Summer Terms in Year 6. The transition worker liaises with children and families in order to ensure they are fully prepared for the next stage of their education. All Durham Secondary schools have transition days where your child can meet their new class teacher and their classmates. They will also have opportunities to participate in sample lessons.
As part of our transition package, 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. 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.
Leaving our school
If your child leaves Hamsterley Primary, 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.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment with the SENCO (Mrs Lynn Cowans).
