Transition

Primary Transition

Parkside Academy has a comprehensive transition programme for both KS2-KS3 and KS4 to further education. At Parkside, we know how important a successful transition is to our students with SEND.

KS2-KS3 Transition

Parkside works collaboratively with local feeder primary schools to support students from Year 5, through to arrival in Year 7. As an Academy, we provide additional transition support for students who we feel would benefit from enhanced transition. To support the transition process we have a designated transition worker who works closely with our feeder primaries. During the spring and summer terms we organise regular primary school visits and visits to Parkside for identified children.

Alongside this the SENCO, Year Leader and Transition Worker will attend annual review meetings and meet the current class teacher, parents/carers and more importantly the students. This provides an excellent opportunity to ease any worries or concerns that students or parents may have during this transition period.

All students are invited to attend Induction Day which allows students to experience sample lessons and fun activities, designed to build self-confidence and familiarise themselves with Parkside Academy.

We value the importance of including parents and carers as much as possible in their child’s transition to Parkside. Parents/carers are invited into school in the summer term of Year 6 for the Induction evening. This gives parents/carers a further opportunity to look around the Academy, meet staff and discuss any concerns that they may have before their child starts in Year 7.

Individual transition plans are put in place where necessary to support a smooth transition to secondary school.

Moving Up

In the autumn term of Year 7, parents/carers are invited to attend our moving up sessions. This provides another opportunity for parents/carers to discuss the transition period and raise any concerns that they may have.

KS4 and Beyond

We also provide enhanced transition for KS4 students moving onto their Post 16 choice.

If your child has an EHCP, they will meet with a ‘Post 16 worker’ to create a plan for their Post 16 education during the review process in year 11.

If your child does not have an EHCP, the plan will be created with parents/carers, the pastoral team and the SEND team.

The SENCO and “post 16 worker” will support your child in finding a new school or college.

If necessary, the SENCO will arrange visits to new schools/colleges for your child. The period of transition will depend on the individual needs of the student.