How will Cranfield Academy support my child when they join the school? When they leave the school? And when they move class?

We recognise that transitions can be difficult for a child with SEN, and we take steps to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible. We also recognise that every child is unique, and we therefore tailor the transition process to suit your child and their needs. The following gives oyu some examples of the type of transition opportunities we provide.

If your child is joining us from another school:

• Where possible the SENCO and new class teacher will visit your child’s current setting to meet your child and gather as much information about your child’s needs as possible.
• If your child has an EHC plan, where possible the teaching assistant who will be supporting your child will make several visits to your child’s current setting to begin to build a relationship with your child.
• The SENCO will arrange a transition meeting, which will involve you and all professionals involved in your child’s care so that there is an opportunity to share information.
• Where possible we will invite your child to several sessions at the school before they start so your child can familiarise themselves with our school. This may include visits after school so they can experience the environment and meet staff without the pressure of having to meet the children as well.
• If appropriate Cranfield Academy will provide a photo book about our academy and staff your child will come into contact with regularly you can share at home.
• The SENCO will liaise with any external professionals already involved in your child’s provision.

If your child is moving to another school:

• We will contact the receiving school to ensure a smooth transition of information, and to inform them of the special arrangements we have in place for your child.
• Where possible we will actively encourage a transition planning meeting be arranged with the receiving school, which will include ourselves, you and staff from the new setting.
• We will ensure smooth transfer of records.
• We will organise additional visits to the new school for your child. These may be times when your child is accompanied by a familiar adult from our school.
• If possible we will encourage the teaching assistant and SENCO from the receiving school to visit our school to meet your child
• If appropriate we will arrange for the receiving school to provide a photo book, social story or any other supportive documentation.
• In year 4 your child will participate in all the planned activities for the whole year group with additional support if necessary.

When moving classes in school:

• Information will be shared by the old class teacher with the new class teacher at a transition staff meeting. The current class teacher will ensure that SEND Profiles, planning materials and assessment records are passed on to the new teacher.
• The SENCo will meet with the new class teacher to outline current levels of support and strategies in place to support your child.
• If your child has 1:1 support the teaching assistant will meet with the new teaching assistant to share information. The new teaching assistant will spend some time shadowing the current teaching assistant.
• The new class teacher will visit your child in their current classroom.
• Your child will take part in the transition day in the summer term when the children spend the days in their new classroom. They may have additional support for this.
• Additional visits to the new classroom will be planned. Initially these may be simply a walk through the room.
• Photo books, social stories etc will be created to aid the transition of your child from one class to another.

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