All children go through transition stages in their school education. There are four main transition stages:
Some children and young people will experience changes in their schooling at other times eg. when they change school due to moving house, traveller children moving to a new area, when a school closes etc.
When children and young people are nearing a transition stage, schools and other agencies must ensure that the Additional Support Needs of individuals are well planned for. Appropriate arrangements must be put in place to ensure that any changes in school education are made as smooth as possible to ensure continuity and progression.
The education authority will have routine arrangements which will ensure that most children and young people manage the changes to their education with sufficient support. Some children and young people will need detailed and planned individual arrangements to meet their significant needs.
Under the Act the education authority will:
- for Pre-school children - seek information from the agencies it deems appropriate to help ease the transition no later than 6 months before the move to primary
- at other times of transition - seek information and advice from the providers of the next stage and appropriate agencies no later than 12 months before the transition date
The Education Authority must share information with other appropriate agencies such as Health, Social Work Services, Careers Scotland, Further Education Colleges and Higher Education establishments, at least 6 months before the child or young person moves to the next stage.
It is essential that parental or the young person's permission is sought before any information is shared.
The views of parents, children and young people must be a valued part of the planning process and their views must be sought and taken account of. They should be able to access support if required.
Schools and other agencies must ensure that there is early and well organised planning for transitions and that there is adequate support in place to help the child or young person and their family through the transition process.
The management of the transition process should be carried out by a key relevant person known to the family and child or young person. This may be someone from any of the relevant agencies or from The Highland Council.
If a child or young person with a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) moves in to the area The Highland Council must take on the CSP as it stands and provide the support outlined in it. It can then be reviewed at any time.
Similarly, if a child or young person moves from Highland to another Authority The Highland Council must transfer the CSP to the new Authority within 4 weeks of notification.
In some instances a child or young person may move into Highland from outwith Scotland with a Statement of Special Educational Needs. In this situation they will be assessed to determine if they have Additional Support Needs through the staged approach and if so appropriate support identified. Consideration will be given to compiling a Co-ordinated Support Plan if appropriate.
In preparing for leaving school the strengths, abilities, wishes and needs of the young person must be taken into account. Personal planning may identify needs such as skill building in independent living, money management, independent travel etc. which can then be targeted and developed in their programme before they leave school.
The school should ensure that the young person has sufficient information about the relevant choices of training or work places and college or higher education courses. It should also ensure clearly identified routes and agencies of support for young people at this time and that the adult services such as Social Work, Health and Careers Scotland are involved and planning effectively.
A Transitions meeting should be held 12 months before the young person leaves school.
Clear and informative communication between agencies at all stages of transition cannot be stressed enough.
Information regarding transition from secondary school for young people with learning disabilities can be found in the booklet “Its My Choice".