Graduated Approach - Transitions Toolkit

A toolkit of guidance, resources and links to support children and young people’s transition (transfer) between educational settings.

The aim of this toolkit is to ensure that all children and young people with SEND have a smooth and successful transition process which meets their pastoral, academic and physical needs, enabling them to have the best possible start to their new phase of education.

This toolkit covers the school phases from Early Years through to Post 16 and can be used to support all children and young people with additional needs, not just those with EHCPs (Education Health Care Plans).

'SEN Support should include planning and preparation for transition, before a child moves into another setting or school. This can include a review of the SEN support being provided or the EHC plan. To support the transition, information should be shared by the current setting with the receiving setting or school.' SEN and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years

Building on Graduated Approach Principles and Guidance

Transition information forms completed as soon after confirmation of place as possible.
Initial transition discussion with parents and child or young person.
Transitions meetings arranged at time that meets needs of child or young person to discuss and agree transition plan.
Relevant, child or young person parents professional to attend transition meetings.
Focus of meetings to discuss additional visits, transport, support required, adaptation, current and required resources, risk assessments, progress updates, medical needs, dietary requirements.
Handover of formal paperwork and plans with relevant parties.
For children or young person with EHCPs – joint setting attendance at Annual Transfer Reviews.
Passports, learning journals, social stories to be completed where appropriate, see the resources section for templates.
Home visits recommended for all age phases.

Resources and Links by Age Phase

Early Years

Ordinarily Available Provision: Transitions in early years

The Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) transition document is designed to support childminders, Early Years settings and schools support children transitioning to, within and from a setting.

The OAP -Transition document offers a graduated approach to transitions as children join an Early Years setting, move up internally within a setting or make the transition from Nursery to Reception. It outlines the best practice which all children should be able to access and details a differentiated approach for those children with a higher level of need.

The document is intended to support practitioners, helping them to identify best practice for all children and to direct them to additional support which they may not have considered.

Early years: a guide to the 0 to 25 SEND code of practice

Record of Transition form into EYFS

Record of Transition-EYFS to Year 1

One Page Profile for Early Years