Support with transitions

Whether it’s starting school for the first time or moving to a new school or education setting, we all need support with managing changes. Young people with SEND may need additional support with managing transitions, so it's helpful to plan and prepare.

Preparing children and young people

• talk positively and openly about the upcoming change to help build confidence
• involve them in planning the transition and ask how they would like to be supported
• acknowledge their emotions, they may be sad about leaving and nervous about starting something new
• support goodbyes, consider creating a memory book and reassure them about staying in touch with friends
• discuss and prepare for the new routine in advance, practice journeys and consider using visual aids like timetables or social stories

Early Years

Starting school or nursery for the first time can be difficult for children with SEND. The Early Years Inclusion Team can support with transitions to and from nursery or pre-school, and into a child’s reception year at school.

• Council for Disabled Children’s SEND Early Years Transitions toolkit
• SEND & you’s guide to Choosing a school for a child with SEND
• BBC bitesize game for preparing children for their first day at school

Primary to Secondary transition

The transition from Primary to Secondary school can be particularly challenging for young people with SEND. Seven Camden schools came together to develop guidance for both schools and parents on supporting this important time of change.

• Camden’s Say hello, wave goodbye guide for parents
• Contact’s Top tips for transition to secondary school
• SEND & you’s Preparing for starting or moving school guide
• Childline’s guidance for young people on Moving schools
• Moving Up! Transition to Secondary school video from Anna Freud

Preparing for adulthood

Children are often encouraged to think about what they may like to do in the future. In years 8 and 9 at school, these conversations happen more regularly as young people choose subject options and shape their future.

If a young person has an Education Health and Care (EHC) plan this will be discussed during their annual reviews.

Young people with an EHC plan will look at a Post-16 Action Plan with a Camden Careers and Connexions adviser. This encourages them to think about their future goals for education and careers, and actions they could take to achieve them. Find the Post-16 Action Plan template we use.

Our Preparing for Adulthood Pathway Guide outlines how we support young people’s transition to adult health and social care services.

For more information on supporting young people to prepare for independence and get ready for their adult life, see our Preparing for adulthood website pages.

Support for different needs

• if a child or young person has an EHC Plan, they will receive support with transitions through a phase transfer
• if a young person is known to the Children and Young People's Disability Service, they will support with transitions
• for autistic young people, the National Autistic Society Education Transitions guide might be helpful
• transition guidance for young people who are blind or partially sighted - Your future, your choice
• Statutory guidance about the support that pupils with medical conditions should receive at school
• My profile is a simple summary of what's important to a young person and how they want to be supported
• Centre 404 offer Support for families, including personalised help with life’s transitions
• information, advice and guidance from the Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
• our Special Educational Needs Team supports children, young people and families