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10. Transitions
How will the school prepare and support my child/young person to join the
school, transfer to a new setting or the next stage of their education and life?
Prior's Court School has an Admissions Manager who supports parents/carers
and leads staff in managing the transition of young people into the school and a
Transitions Officer who supports transitions out of Prior's Court.
Transition into Prior's Court School for new students:
When a placement at Prior's Court is agreed, an individualised transition plan is
devised in conjunction with parents, carers and staff who know the young person
well from their current placement. The process is led by the Admissions Manager.
Key staff at Prior's Court undertake an initial visit to observe the young person in
the current school or home where possible prior to an initial transition visit to
Prior's Court School. An individualised programme of visits is agreed (including
overnight stays where applicable) and reviewed after each visit. Parents are fully
involved in this process and have the opportunity to meet key staff such as Class
Teacher, House Manager, Key Worker, school nurses and therapists throughout
this time to share important information and to ask any questions they may
have.
During the transition period we encourage parents and carers to individualise
and prepare the young person's bedroom and bring items from home. A
guide is prepared by the Speech and Language department containing visual
information for the young person to support their understanding through the
transition process.
Transition out of Prior's Court School e.g. Post-19:
There is a careful and thorough transition planning process in place at Prior's
Court School to ensure young people and their families are fully supported
during this time. The process is led by the Transitions Officer and identified key
staff.
At each young person's 14+ Annual Review the parent information pack about the
transition process will be sent out to parents by the Transitions Officer. At the
review meeting, time is set aside to start to discuss the transition process. Parents
are encouraged to meet with the social worker to start discussions
regarding their child's needs for Post-19. The Transitions Officer provides
information and support during the process and works with parents towards
identifying appropriate next step provision.
At each subsequent Annual Review, time is set aside to discuss the transition
planning for the young person with updates from the parents and Local Authority
representative. During the final year of education, key staff will be available to
meet with parents and support assessments; these meetings should consist of
Learning & Wellbeing Manager, Keyworker, Learning Specialists or Learning
Facilitators, the Transitions Officer and other staff as required.