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A Professional Discussion on Transition

Transition and SEN: Best Practice Discussion

Transitioning students with special educational needs (SEN) from one educational setting to another is an essential aspect of providing inclusive education. In this best practice discussion, we will explore some key strategies and considerations for ensuring a smooth and successful transition for students with SEN.

1. Early Planning and Collaboration

Effective transition planning begins well in advance to allow time for careful consideration of a student’s unique needs. This involves collaboration between school staff, parents or guardians, and relevant professionals such as special education teachers, therapists, and support services. Regular communication and sharing of information play a crucial role in ensuring a coordinated approach.

2. Individualized Transition Plans (ITPs)

Developing individualized transition plans is vital for students with SEN. These plans outline specific goals, strategies, and resources needed to support a student during the transition process. ITPs should address academic, social, emotional, and functional aspects of the student’s life, taking into account their strengths, challenges, and aspirations.

3. Tailored Support and Resources

Providing tailored support and resources to students with SEN is crucial for a successful transition. This may include additional instructional support, specialized assistive technology, accommodations, and modifications, as well as access to support services both within and outside the school setting. Individual needs should be carefully assessed and appropriate strategies implemented.

4. Inclusive and Supportive School Environment

Creating an inclusive and supportive school environment is essential for facilitating a smooth transition for students with SEN. This involves fostering a sense of belonging, promoting positive relationships, and ensuring that students have access to necessary support systems. Educators should strive to create an atmosphere where all students are valued and their individual strengths are recognized.

5. Transition Programs and Activities

Transition programs and activities can help students with SEN prepare for the challenges and changes associated with transitioning to a new educational setting. These may include orientation sessions, visits to the new school, peer mentoring programs, and transition-focused curriculum. Such programs aim to alleviate anxiety, build confidence, and provide students with the necessary skills and information to navigate their new environment.

Questions on transition for students with additional needs.

A transition can be very challenging for many young people and in my experience of working with Autistic Children there are many ways we can help at school to reduce anxieties around this issue. I have since written an in-depth post about supporting Autistic children with transition. However, there are times I need support so these questions really are things I want answers.

This was the first of many Twitter discussions I have had over the years. EduTwitter is one of the best free CPD – Continuing Professional Development tools available to teachers and Educators allowing the sharing of ideas from across the world. There is a hashtag that comes up every Wednesday evening #SpecialEdChat – this was an account for discussing special education but nothing was being shared. I thought this might be an opportunity for a bit of hashtag squatting. I tweeted out info about a pop up style chat at that time to see if anyone was interested. Got some great feedback so here we are!

FAQs – SEN and Transition

Q1 In your experience what is it about change that causes young people the most anxiety? #SpecialEDchat 

 Q1

The first answers concerned not informing the child of an upcoming transition, or if telling them then not preparing them insufficient time for the transition to be processed. Change can be unsettling as routine can serve to reduce anxiety through creating predictability. Also, the loss of a trusted adult or friend can take a lot of adjusting to especially if that change or loss is not understood. Nicole commented on the fact that staff often act in unpredictable ways.

Often events may be out of adult’s control as well which adds to the difficulties faced. Amanda warned that it is important not to overdo the amount of information provided prior to transition. A bespoke plan to deliver the input all learners need is required and much of this comes down to the relationship between the child and the staff in the classroom. 

SEN and transition quote George Gilchrist

Q2 Should we prepare children for September transition in June/July, or does this cause additional anxiety? #SpecialEDchat  Q2

General agreement on this issue is that it really depends on how the child will receive the news. Every child has the right to know what is happening to them. The positive relationships with the adults will help immeasurably in thriving in their new setting. Contact with new staff prior to changing class will help as long as the new associative memory is a positive one, all care must be taken to reduce aversive elements during transition or relationship building so a clear transition plan and handover for new staff is essential. Preparing parents an also help by reducing anxieties at home as the child can be supported and given a clear message about what is happening by all the adults around them.

Amanda made an excellent point “I think preparation suggests it’s a one-off. The constant of transition should be present.” Life constantly throws up changes and we shouldn’t really make a huge issue of one change whilst ignoring the myriad of smaller transitions and changes that happen every day.

Q3 What resources do you use or actions do you take to support transition to a new classroom or placement? #SpecialEDchat 

Q3

One of the best ideas was very simple and involved photos and names of new classmates to take home + always take a photo of new pupils so that their resources and area can be labelled. Often it can help if a familiar or favoured object/task is ready and waiting to boost confidence. More and more often schools are doing videos or virtual tours so learners can become familiar with the school environment prior to visiting. As long as major changes don’t take place following the video this can be a really valuable transition strategy. Questioning parents to gain an insight into their priorities can help, build strength into the team around the child early. I hope you have found this useful.

The Storify of the Chat is here in pdf: transition-sen-specialedchat

Awesome Books that Can Help with Transition.

Stories that explain: Social stories for children with autism in primary school – Lynn McCann. – This book is packed full of practical support, advice and tips for teachers, teaching assistants, SENCos and parents to help support children in gaining a better understanding of common primary school experiences that can cause misunderstanding or stress. This resource provides an explanation of the use of social stories, why they are important, and advice on how to write social stories, including tips on how to present them. The included CD includes a comprehensive and editable bank of stories to share with children to support their understanding of social situations.

Transition and Autism Social Stories book

Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Conditions through Everyday Transitions: Small Changes – Big Challenges. Jane Donlan .- Facing any type of change can cause confusion & anxiety for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. This book looks at the small transitions in everyday life that can be a big deal for a young person with autism and offers simple and effective strategies to make change less of a daily struggle. Explaining why seemingly minor changes to routine can be emotionally distressing for Autistic children, this book teaches parents practical solutions for coping with common transitions including switching from a weekday to weekend schedule, the changing of the seasons, and sleeping in a different bed when on holiday. With insights from the authors’ personal experiences and helpful scripts, signs and sketches to use along the way, this book shows that with a bit of thought and preparation parents can reduce the stress surrounding change for their child and the whole family.

Transition autism book.

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