Transition for SEND Students

A parent’s guide to transitioning to secondary school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We understand that if your child has special educational needs, the transition from primary school into secondary school can be an anxious time. At Salford City Academy, our SEND team is committed to making this transition as smooth and positive as possible. We work closely with you, your child, and their current school to ensure the right support is in place from day one.

All children will benefit from the exciting opportunities and support provided through our ‘Step-Up’ programme. For children with SEND, there are a range of additional support options available:

• The SENDCo may attend Year 5 and/or Year 6 EHCP Annual Reviews at the request of Parents and/or the primary school.
• Salford City Academy will invite all students with EHCPs (and some identified students who receive SEND (K) support in primary school) to attend additional enhanced transition sessions in school during the summer term and to meet the SENDCo. 
• The SENDCo will liaise with your child’s primary school SENDCo, Y6 class teacher, and headteacher to share information regarding every student on the SEND register. 
• The SENDCo will be available at all whole-school transition events (eg. Y7 Information Evening).
• On identified dates in the Summer Term, parents and children with SEND will be invited to 1:1 meetings to be introduced to a member of Salford City Academy’s SEND team and to prepare your child’s ‘One Page Profile’ ready for a smooth start in September.

Come along to our termly SEND Coffee Mornings! We want our parents to feel part of our community and offer SEND Coffee Mornings where you can meet others and chat with our SEND team. These informal events are a great way to get to know the Academy and access our SEND network of support. 

Here are some ways to help your child with special education needs (SEND) transition to secondary school:

• Get to know the school by visiting it and looking around in advance.
• Ensure students attend our Transition Days. These days are an opportunity to meet teachers, other students, and learn about the school's layout and routine. Find out more here.
• Reading the school's website can help familiarise your child with the school.
• If your child is starting secondary school in a new area, joining holiday clubs and activities there can help them make new friends before the term starts. 
• Print a map of the school and look at it with your child.
• Keep things positive and celebrate your child's achievements.