SEND transition strategy
Transition is a time of change and can be a source of both excitement and anxiety for children and young people and for their parents and carers. It puts enormous demands on children and young people; socially, linguistically, emotionally, academically, and practically. A good transition can mean the difference between floundering and flourishing and should be seen as a process rather than an event. Transition means change and becoming resilient and able to cope with change is a key life skill. Children and young people need to feel safe and secure with planning that includes consideration of everyone involved, their actions and responsibilities, tools, techniques, contingency planning, and risk mitigation.
Transition is often referred to in relation to moving between educational settings at planned transition points, such as between early years settings and primary, infant, and junior, primary to secondary, secondary to post 16 and adulthood. However, transition is much broader than this. There are additional elements that are just as crucial and so also require robust planning to maximise success. This includes to and from alternative provision, from setting to setting as part of a managed move or between special and mainstream schools or as part of planning when moving from children to adult services. In addition, transition within a day is also vital, such as between different staff, classrooms, intervention spaces, and as part of time-out.
Implementing effective support is key when the biggest need is potentially stability and trust. The resources, support and commitment involved in preparing for smooth transitions are significant and dependent on the commitment of all involved and on a good understanding of the positive benefits for children and young people. Schools and support agencies all play a key and active role in supporting transitions through an open dialogue and promotion of relationship-building, involving families, and focusing on children and young people feeling safe and secure within their school.
Lincolnshire’s stakeholders across the SEND partnership are clearly committed to provide support and resources that enable children and young people to move seamlessly between transitions. All with the ultimate aim of enabling children and young people to access the right support at the right time, while maximising their opportunities for achieving successful life outcomes as part of their preparation for adulthood
Lincolnshire’s vision and aims alongside how this is implemented will be set out in a SEND transitions strategy.
