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This website is only one part of the Local Offer. We also have a directory listing SEND-specific services. Visit our directory at 1space.eastsussex.gov.uk/localoffer

Transition Planning

An image displaying children and young people at different ages. The image on the left shows 3 children, an adult, and a birthday cake with candles in it. The middle image shows two children in school uniform. The image on the right shows two young people holding books and wearing bags.

Overview

The term ‘education transition’ is when a child or young person moves into, within, between or out of an educational setting.

Key educational transition stages are:

We have sections on this site with more information on finding the right setting for your child:

Education Transitions

Transitions can cause anxiety for some children and young people. To ensure a smooth transition, it is important for parents, education staff and other professionals to work together at all stages. This will allow the child / young person to receive the help and support they need.

Transition planning is the process of preparing for these changes. Preparation is important for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This is because it creates a clear, structured roadmap throughout education. This reduces the chance of the child or young person following a route less suitable for them.

Transition between settings can be smoother if your child / young person has:

Transition Planning with an EHCP

When a child or young person with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) transitions to the next phase of their education, this is referred to as a phase transfer.

To learn about the phase transfer process, please visit our page on:

IPSEA are the Independent Provider of Special Education Advice. They have a website that provides further information on planning the move to a new school for children with an EHCP:

Preparing for Adulthood with an EHCP

Planning for your child’s transition into adulthood begins from around year 8 / 9.

From year 9, annual reviews of your child’s EHCP will start to involve in-depth discussions of the Preparing for Adulthood elements listed above.

It is important to help your child to think about what they like and their hopes for the future. This will help you get the most out of the annual review discussions and transition planning. Some young people will need more support to do this. It may be helpful to ask others who know them well what they think.

To learn about the annual review process, please visit our page on:

Four children and two adults playing in a playground. This includes two skipping ropes and a child playing hopscotch.

Preparing for Adulthood (PfA)

PfA helps young people with SEND think about and plan for their future. It focuses on developing:

PfA is important for all young people with SEND, whether or not they have an EHCP. It helps them work towards the goals and aspirations that matter to them.

You can find more useful information for young people transitioning into adulthood on:

Post-16 Transition

What is transition planning?

The Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) process should have helped your child think about what they want to do after year 11.

Transition planning in year 10 and 11 will help your child feel confident and prepared for whatever their next steps are. You, your child, and the people who know them well will work together to think about:

You and your child will be supported to decide their next steps, including:

Applications for school or college should be made in the autumn term of Year 11 (at age 15).

We have created guides that provide more information on transitions:

What do post-16 settings do?

What could parents / carers do?

Local Post-16 Provider Information

Local colleges and providers often share transition information. You can usually find this on their websites. We will aim to link to local provider transition information within this section:

Additional Help and Support

Our SEND-specific directory, on 1Space, provides services that help with transition into adult life. Services include:

Visit the 16+ Transition to Adult Life category on 1Space.

Amaze SENDIASS

Amaze SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) are a local charity. They offer free, independent, and impartial advice for all matters relating to SEND. Contact Amaze SENDIASS by:

Visit the Amaze SENDIASS web page.

Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms

We explain some of the terms used on this website on our page, Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms.

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