The Transitions Process
The SEN section is based on two areas, North and South, however the Transitions process cuts across area boundaries and, in the interests of efficiency, this is managed centrally by the Transitions Team.
The Transitions Team:
- Processes assessments for children under five
- Deals with admissions to nurseries
- Deals with Nurseries to Schools
- Deals with Infant to Junior
- Deals with Junior to Secondary
Summary of Transition to Primary School
The transition process begins with a Transition Meeting at your child's nursery in the term preceding their final term, involving school staff and parents. The Educational Psychologist and SEN Department staff are also invited, but due to the volume of requests, cannot attend all transitions meetings.
The Transition Form, which records the preferred school, is sent to the Transitions Team in the SEN Department:
- Admissions Section allocate mainstream places; the Transitions Team deal with Special School and Integrated Resource applications. However, there is a lot of liaison between the two teams.
- To apply for a mainstream place, you need to complete a green "Transfer to Primary School" form, available from any Primary School, and return it to Admissions Section by 1st March prior to the start of the academic year the child would be due to start school. Please note that a statement of SEN does not give priority status in securing a non-catchment school place.
- If a special school or Integrated Resource placement is requested, you should apply for a mainstream school placement as well.
- We recommend that you make visits to the Primary Schools and talk to the Headteacher and/or SENCO about how they can meet your child's needs.
Summary of Transition to Secondary School:
- The transition process begins with a Transition Meeting at your child's primary school in the summer term of Y5 involving school staff and parents. The Educational Psychologist and SEN Department staff are also invited, but due to the volume of requests cannot attend all transitions meetings. The school may combine the Transition Meeting with the annual review.
- The Transition Form, which records the preferred school, is sent to the Transitions Team in the SEN Section.
- At the same time parents are sent, via the primary school, a coloured form by the Admissions Section, which all parents should fill in and return to the Admissions Section by 2nd November to give your preference for a mainstream secondary school
- Admissions Section allocate mainstream places; the Transitions Team deal with Special School and Integrated Resource applications. However, there is a lot of liaison between the two teams.
Documents available in relation to the Transition Process:
- Integrated Resource Units in Sheffield.
- Special Educational Needs Tribunal "How to Appeal" - the revised version (2001) is now available.
- Special Educational Needs - A guide for parents about admission to schools.
- A Guide for Parents 2002-03 - lists Special Schools, Integrated Resources.
- Contact details for the Special Educational Needs Support Service (SENSS).
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