SEND Transition
Student Transition
At The Holy Cross School, we work closely with previous educational settings to ensure that every student’s transition is as smooth and positive as possible. We actively seek and share information that enables us to meet individual needs effectively from the outset.
Students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or significant additional needs
We welcome early discussions with parents and carers of students with SEND, including those in Year 5 and Year 6, as well as students joining after Year 7, particularly those transferring into Key Stage 5. Individual appointments can be arranged by contacting the SENDCo.
We liaise closely with primary schools and relevant external services to support effective transition planning. During the summer term, each Year 6 student is visited by a member of The Holy Cross School staff, and the SENDCo attends Year 6 annual review meetings where requested.
Where appropriate, the SENDCo creates personalised Transition Plans, which may include additional visits during the second half of the summer term. These visits are tailored to individual needs and provide students with further opportunities to familiarise themselves with the school environment.
Transition Visits
During transition visits, students:
- Take part in lessons alongside current Year 7 students
- Stay for break and lunchtime
- Become familiar with the school building, including St Theresa’s (our student support area)
- Meet key support staff and teachers
These visits allow students to discuss any concerns and explore strategies to support a successful start. Students experience different subjects and routines, helping them understand how the school day works. Staff work hard to ensure these visits are welcoming, supportive, and productive.
Induction and Additional Support
All incoming Year 7 students attend a whole-school induction day at the beginning of July.
For the past five years, we have also run a highly successful Activities Day during the final week of the summer holidays. All new Year 7 students are encouraged to attend, particularly those with additional needs, as this provides an informal and supportive opportunity to build confidence before starting school.
In addition, the Mental Health Service Team offers a six-week programme titled “Settling into Secondary School”. This course is open to all pupils and supports emotional wellbeing, resilience, and adjustment to secondary education.
Careers and Post-16 Transition
Our Careers Advisor works with students from Year 9 onwards. Students with SEND are encouraged to attend additional guidance sessions where appropriate. For students transferring at the end of Key Stage 4 or Key Stage 5, we contribute relevant information to support successful onward destinations.
We maintain strong links with local colleges and post-16 providers to ensure that pupils with SEND who choose not to remain in our Sixth Form are supported in accessing appropriate courses with suitable provision.
Further guidance:
Supporting Children Through Secondary Transition
LINK – https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/local-offer/information-and-advice/post-16-education-pathways/post-16-education-pathways-overview