Transition

Transition

At Holy Cross, we pride ourselves on our robust transition package. We ensure that we know our pupils before they begin. For pupils with an EHCP, this starts when the pupil is in Year 5. If your child has an EHCP and attends a feeder primary school, please invite us to their Year 6 annual review. This ensures we know your child and can collaborate in discussions around what provision may look like at Holy Cross. Having these conversations is pivotal in ensuring the consultation process is seamless.

For other pupils with SEND, transition starts at Open Evenings. Some parents / carers may wish to bring their child to our Open Evenings when they are in Year 5. This provides an additional opportunity for the young person to familiarise themselves with the surroundings. It also makes the Open Evening in Year 6 less daunting. The SENDCO also attends the Open Evening to have any informal discussions. After attending the Open Evening, we would direct any further questions to

Once your child’s high school has been named, we then begin our more formal transition process. Initially, we send forms out to all schools to gather basic information. Once the forms have been collated, the SENDCO and Transition Co-ordinator liaise with primary schools and conduct visits to gather more in-depth information. You do not need to do anything at this point apart from filling in your acceptance form. This will be your opportunity to tell us of any diagnosis or difficulties your child may have.

Once all the information has been received, the SENDCO may make further contact with you.

Any pupil with an EHCP, or who has been identified as having complex needs by their primary school, will be invited to our Enhanced Transition. Please note, numbers are extremely limited for this. All children are anxious about transitioning and all pupils receive support for this through our general transition programme.

Our Enhanced Transition is spread over two morning visits to Holy Cross. We request that the pupils are supported by a familiar adult from their primary school to make this successful. On the mornings, children get the opportunity to:

• meet a range of Teaching Assistants, the Assistant SENDCO and the SENDCO
• access our nurture base
• familiarise themselves with the school setting through a scavenger hunt
• meet other pupils already at Holy Cross
• tell us more about them, what they like, what they don’t like and what helps them
• ask any questions about their worries for secondary school
• take part in games and activities which allow us to get a better understanding of their difficulties
• access various parts of the school
• see what Holy Cross is like when the bell goes and pupils start moving – it isn’t as scary as you think!

If your child isn’t invited to the Enhanced Transition and you feel they may need additional support with transitioning to High School, please email

Finally, please may we ask that you share any diagnostic letters with us before your child starts in September. This means we can have accurate records from the start and begin building your child’s Synergy profile.