Education transitions
The process of moving from one school to another or through different key stages
On this page
What education transitions are
Education transitions are the process of moving from one school to another or through different key stages. They also include preparations for a child or young person's journey into adulthood.
Careful planning takes place through the schools to ensure that a child or young person’s emotional and academic needs are considered.
The key educational transition stages are:
1. Starting early years
2. The move from early years to primary school
3. Moving key stages within primary school - For example, from early years to key stage 1 (KS1), KS1 to KS2, and possibly moving between Year groups or from infant to junior school
4. The move from primary to secondary school
5. The move from secondary school to further education or work and preparing for adulthood
The SEND code of practice states:
'Early years providers and schools should support children so that they are included in social groups and develop friendships. This is particularly important when children are transferring from one phase of education to another (for example, from nursery to primary school).'
Supporting transitions
Transitions can be a source of anxiety for both you and your child. Parents, education staff, and other professionals need to work together to ensure the right support is in place at the right time.
Transition planning isn't just for moving to a new school - it should also be considered when your child moves between classes or year groups. Careful planning can help ensure a smooth handover.
Speak to your child's school or education setting to plan for this.
Schools are also required to publish a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Information Report on their website, which should include details on how they support transitions and prepare young people for adulthood.
We have provided various guidance to schools below to support transitions for your guidance and understanding.
Transition planning
Before each transition stage, the current education setting should arrange a planning meeting with the new school. Parents may also be invited to take part.
This meeting should happen for all children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), whether they have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or not.
The meeting allows everyone to discuss the child's needs and agree on the support they will require in their new setting.
A smooth transition between settings can help your child feel more confident. Things that can support this include:
- regular visits to their new school or college
- opportunities to meet key staff
- visits from future school or college staff to their current setting
- receiving their new timetable in advance to discuss any concerns
- access to a visual timetable if needed
- a chance to experience lunchtime arrangements at their new setting
- planning their transport, including any travel training they may need
It can be helpful to take photos of your child in their new setting, as well as key areas of the school or college and important staff members. Older children might enjoy taking their own photos during transition visits, and schools can often provide photos too.
If you think it would help, you can create a photo book to look through with your child. This can provide reassurance and make their new school or setting feel more familiar before they start.
Early years transitions
Preschool, childcare for early years (age 0 to 4 years)
Starting preschool or going to a childminder can be a big change for any child, especially those with additional needs. When choosing a preschool, arrange a visit to meet the staff and discuss your child’s needs, as well as the support strategies you use at home.
You can ask school staff to visit you at home so your child can start to feel comfortable with them. If your child has a childminder, they can also arrange settling-in visits to help with the transition.
If any professionals are involved in your child’s care, ask them how they can support the move to school.
Moving from early years to primary school
Starting school is a big milestone in a child’s life. While it’s an exciting and enjoyable time for many, it can also bring new academic, social, and practical challenges.
Some children may find these changes difficult, and it’s natural for parents to feel just as anxious about the transition as their child.
When your child starts reception, it’s helpful to visit the school and talk to staff about their needs and how you support them at home. This can also be discussed in a planning meeting, where school staff will be invited to attend.
You can arrange for your child to visit their new school as often as needed before they start. Schools often support additional visits where possible to help with the transition.
Resources to support the transition of records for children moving to a new school or setting
Moving from primary to secondary school
When your child starts secondary school, it’s important that staff at the new school understand their needs. This means talking to you, your child, and their primary school. If your child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, this discussion may happen as part of their annual review.
The special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) from both schools will meet during the summer term to discuss your child’s needs. They will share key information, such as assessment results. If your child has an EHC plan, the secondary SENCO may also attend their Year 6 annual review.
To help your child feel more comfortable, you can arrange for them to visit their new school as many times as needed before they start.
Guidance which schools follow, could look like this:
Moving from secondary school to further education
From Year 8 or 9, your child should start thinking about their future. This could include:
- further or higher education
- training or work experience
- employment
- independent living
- hobbies and activities in the community
- managing their health needs
By age 13 or 14, someone from the school will organise a meeting to discuss future plans. This meeting should include your child and focus on their goals and dreams and how they will be supported to achieve them.
If your child has an EHC plan, these discussions will take place during their annual review meetings.