Transition Support
Dene Academy has a comprehensive transition programme for both KS2-KS3 and KS4 to further education. At Dene, we know how important a successful transition is to our students with Additional Needs.
Primary transition – KS2 to KS3
Dene 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 team, Ms Tempest (Assistant SENCO and Head of Transition) and Mrs Nolan (Progress Leader for Year 6 transition/ 7 and 8) work closely with our feeder primaries. During the spring and summer terms, both Ms Tempest and Mrs Nolan organise regular primary school visits and visits to Dene for identified children.
Alongside this the SENCO, Year Leader and Progress Leader will attend annual review meetings for students with EHCPs 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 Transition Days which allows students to experience sample lessons and fun activities, designed to build self-confidence and familiarise themselves with Dene Academy. Students with additional needs are nominated by our feeder schools, for an enhanced transition process.
We value the importance of including parents and carers as much as possible in their child’s transition to Dene. 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.
Year 7 Information Event
In the autumn term of Year 7, parents/carers are invited to attend our information evening. This provides another opportunity for parents/carers to discuss the transition period and raise any concerns that they may have. There is an opportunity to meet the SENCo, along with key staff, and discuss students’ needs.
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.
If your child does not have an EHCP, the plan will be created with parents/carers, the pastoral team and SEN staff. The SENCO and the Post 16 Advisor 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.
