What can children with additional needs expect on transition from primary school to secondary school?

Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) can, and should, expect to transfer with their peers and friends to their local secondary school. A very small number of pupils may need to have their needs met in a special school and the SEN Team administers this process.

The staff at primary and secondary schools are always keen that transitions go well for children and will meet to discuss any potential issues, including any particularly vulnerable children or children with additional needs.

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan) then a preference will need to be made in the first half of the autumn term so that the Local Authority can consult with the requested school. All EHC Plans must be confirmed naming the secondary transfer placement by 15 February in Year 6. Further information on key phase transfers can be found here

A robust secondary transfer package needs to be put into place by both the primary and receiving secondary school as well as all the support agencies involved with that child. Transition meetings usually begin after Christmas in Year 6 and many secondary schools offer a number of additional visits for special needs children in the summer term of year 6. For further information parents and carers should speak to the SEN coordinator at their primary school.