School transitions

School Transitions

Preparing for a school move

Each year, Trafford Virtual School offer a package of support for the children and young people making a school move in September. All Year 6s are offered mentoring which starts in the summer term and continues into their Year 7 to support them with the changes they will experience, for more information you can contact the Primary PEP Lead Helen Lee at HelenLee@sthelens.gov.uk, or Secondary PEP Lead Michelle Hart at MichelleHart@sthelens.gov.uk

Year 11s are offered enhanced careers advice and can access mentoring from the Virtual School Post-16 as well as college visits. The Post 16 PEP Lead Helen Dann at HelenDann@sthelens.gov.uk can provide more information about the specific support available.

If the school move is happening outside of planned year group changes, Reception, Year 7 and college, Virtual School also offer support and guidance to the professionals and young people affected. Contact the Virtual School as soon as possible if there is going to be a move.

Impact of school moves

Changing schools can have a huge impact on the academic progress and mental health of a young person. Professionals should also take into consideration the impact of a move on the young person's existing relationships with teachers and peers before deciding on a change of school.

Sometimes there are unavoidable reasons why a child might have to move school such as:

• moving to a new address that is too far to travel from
• they are at risk of permanent exclusion 
• the current school can no longer meet the child's need due to special educational needs

When a child is looked after, Virtual School need to be told as soon as possible and can offer support, guidance and resources.

When a child moves school

Any decisions regarding a school move should be in conjunction with:

• the child's parents or carers
• the school they attend
• the child's social worker 
• if they are looked after, Virtual School.

If the child has an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP), or an assessment is in process, a school move will need to be discussed with the Special Educational Needs or Education and Health Care team.

Year 6 Transition Panel

The Transition Panel, which meets in the Spring Term, will be considering the level of funding or other support which schools will require in order to make appropriate provision for pupils transferring schools with statements/Education Health and Care Plans or ESS funding. Children considered at this panel will be in Year 6 and Year -1. It will therefore require adequate information in order to make decisions.

For pupils with statements / EHCPs in Y6

It is hoped that the report of the Y5 review should provide sufficient information for a decision to be made. However, we would ask schools to look at such reports, and if it is felt that any additional information does need to be submitted, please send it in. If the Y5 review was held early in the academic year, it is suggested that a Y6 review be held as soon as possible and the report submitted to the panel before the deadline, the date of which will be sent to schools each September.

For pupils on Enhanced SEN Support (ESS) funding in Y6

Please review these pupils and submit reports and any other relevant information by the date of the deadline. Reviews should be planned to fit in with this schedule.