How does our school help prepare to meet your child’s needs
Early Years Staff make visits to all feeder Nurseries to meet the children who will be starting our school. They spend time working with the children, observing them in a familiar environment and talking to their key workers. We encourage all new children to visit the school prior to starting and this is done through a series of transition sessions. For children with SEND we would encourage further visits to assist with the acclimatisation of the new surroundings.
How will the school prepare my child for the transition to Secondary school?
Children with SEND are given an extensive level of support before they leave for their new school. We work closely with parents to ensure as smooth a transition as possible to KS3. When children are preparing to leave us for a new school, typically to go to secondary education, we arrange additional visits. This ensures that bridges are built between schools, key information shared between staff and the child is given the opportunity to settle into a new routine with the support of a familiar adult.
All our ‘feeder’ secondary schools run programmes specifically tailored to aid transition for the more vulnerable pupils. We liaise closely with staff when receiving and transferring children to different schools ensuring all relevant paperwork is passed on and all needs are discussed and understood.
If your child has complex needs and has an Education Health and Care Plan, then a review will be used as a transition meeting. During this meeting, we will invite staff from both schools to attend and any other relevant professionals. Their teacher and SENCO will discuss with secondary colleagues how many transition visits can be arranged over and above those offered to children without SEND. These additional visits to the new school will be carried out with the child and secondary school staff in the summer term.
- At Victoria Lane Academy, we have developed a comprehensive, induction process to enable all children to have a smooth and effective transition into Victoria Lane Academy. We work closely with parents/carers to ensure we can accommodate any additional needs of SEN pupils.
- Meetings are arranged at parent’s request with our school SENCO, Mrs A Addison.
- Our School and Family Lead Worker, Gayle Hodkinson, is available to provide additional support when required.
How we support children/young people with SEN moving between classes in our school
At Victoria Lane Academy, we implement a range of measures to ensure a seamless, smooth transition for our pupils as they continue their journey throughout our school. These include
- Teacher meetings with SENCO
- Meeting with SENCO to share relevant information
- Teacher observation
- Meeting with professionals if relevant
- Parental consultation
- Three day transition period to access their new classroom in July
- Meeting between teachers and support staff to discuss additional needs
How we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
If your child leaves Victoria Lane Academy 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.