Transition

Staindrop School understands that transition between schools and other establishments is sometimes an anxious time for parents/carers and students, especially for students with SEN.

For students coming into Year 7 at The Academy, the Transition leader and the SENCo will visit all primary schools where there are students joining Staindrop Academy. They meet with Year 6 teachers or leaders to gain as much information as possible about these students, including SEN information.

For students with SEN, the SENCo receives all relevant Year 6 information, including SEN files and SEN Support plans. If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail, please contact the school to arrange an appointment with our SENCo.

All Year 6 students who will be attending Staindrop Academy, are invited in for transition days in the summer term, when they spend time within their new form group and take part in activities to help them adjust to life at Staindrop Academy. Many students with SEN are invited in for extra transition sessions to introduce them to life at The Academy in order to allay any anxieties as early as possible (Nurture Days).

In addition to this, prior to starting Year 7 in September, Staindrop Academy offers a summer school in the first week of the summer holidays that is available to all students.

For students with an Education, Health and Care plan, the SENCo will attend Year 6 review meetings to understand the needs of these students and plan their transition. For students with high transition needs, the SENCo will put in place a more personalised transition programme, in conjunction with the primary school and parents/carers.

Parents/carers of students with an EHC plan in Year 5 who are considering a placement at Staindrop Academy are very welcome to contact the SENCo at any time to discuss their child’s needs or arrange a meeting or visit.

For students leaving Year 11, the SENCo works with our post 16 provision coordinator, careers advisors and the One Point Service to ensure that all students have thought through their next steps and have appropriate applications to post-16 providers. We also liaise with their next provider to ensure that they understand a student’s support needs by providing a transition plan created in conjunction with students, families and the One Point service.

All students with an Education, Health and Care plan will have access to the above services from Year 10 onwards.