Transition
Transition into Reception
Starting school can be both an exciting and anxious time for parents and children. Our Senior Teacher for EYFS makes contact with every family prior to your child starting and we offer a programme of information and support to help everyone feel confident in the process of starting school. We offer a staggered start to school, beginning with short periods initially and moving to full days and like to move quickly with this to support children in getting used to their new routines. We do make allowances for children who cannot manage this however and work closely with families to build the transition in the way which is right for the child.
Transition between year groups
It is important as children move through school that they experience transitions, meeting new people and building new relationships. However, we also know that for many of our children this can cause some anxiety and be something they need extra support with. We structure our transitions in order to allow children to build these relationships slowly, working alongside the adults they already know and trust to develop new bonds and prepare for the new year ahead. In partnership with families we will also send home transition materials for you to view with them to help with the transition process.
Secondary Transition
One of the biggest transitions our children will make is that of moving to Secondary school. We know this can be a daunting time for parents too as your children enter into the next chapter in their school career. Our Senior Teacher for Year 5/6 transition works closely with all local secondaries to plan transition carefully, beginning the process early into the final year of school with us and exploring a range of topics with the children to help to support them in understanding the changes that will come. Once we have been given the information on which secondary your child will transition to, we also work with the secondaries to arrange transition visits, where staff will visit us and we will accompany your child to any transition days arranged by the secondary schools. We are not able to offer advice on which secondaries to choose and recommend that parents visit the schools they are considering in order to make an informed decision.
The Senior Teacher will also make contact with parents during the transition process to advise of any events or information which may be useful.
Further actions to support Year 5/6 transition
We look at encouraging our children to transition to other nearby areas within the school purposefully. Children across Upper Key Stage 2 engage in weekly Enrichment Clubs, such as football, Thrive and Eco Club.
Castle Wood children take part in an Enterprise scheme where they make items to sell to the Castle Wood community. This finances celebration activities for the Year 6 children. Previously children have enjoyed pizza, bought an ice cream, planned a party and a trip to a setting chosen by them.
Discussion is held at the Year 5 annual review over the transition programme and parents are encouraged to look at secondary school websites and to make arrangements to visit the schools. Castle Wood feeds into the following special secondary schools:
- - Riverbank Academy
Princethorpe Way,
Ernesford Grange,
Coventry.
CV3 2QD
024 7645 3121
- - Baginton Fields
Sedgenoor Road,
Coventry.
CV3 4EA
024 7630 3854
- - Sherbourne Fields.
Rowington Close,
Coundon,
Coventry.
CV6 1PR
024 7659 1501
A representative from the Local Authority SEND office is usually present at the Year 5 transition review meeting held in June, where transition is discussed further. Parents are encouraged to identify a preference of a secondary school. Decisions around school placements are made and confirmed by the Local Authority.
Staff from your child’s named secondary school visit and meet with Castle Wood staff in the spring and summer term. Children also have planned opportunities to visit their named school where they can take part in a range of activities.
Further information and support on transition to secondary schools can be found on the SENDIASS website:
https://www.coventry.gov.uk/send-information-advice-support-service-iass
