Transition through education - from early years to reception
Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) support
Information about the transition process from early years settings to primary school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and some practical approaches to support a smooth transition.
What support is available?
Some children with SEND need greater support or different approaches to help them to learn and, for most, extra support can be provided by the school. For a very small number the support required may be significant and may call for a statutory assessment (EHC needs assessment) to identify their needs and any special provision required.
SEND support
More information regarding the SEND support available for your child.
Choosing a primary school
Most children with SEND are educated in mainstream schools but depending on the complexity of your child’s needs, a specialist setting may be appropriate which will be discussed with you during your child’s Educational, Health and Care plan (EHC plan, often referred to as EHCP) review.
All schools, including academies, free schools as well as maintained schools have a SEND Information report (SENDIR) which sets out the school’s approach to SEND. Many schools also have a SEND policy. Both are great places to start when you are choosing a school. Details of each school’s report and policy can be found on the individual school websites.
When you are considering whether a particular school is the right place for your child, it’s worth considering:
- How you as a parent, the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO), teaching and support staff will communicate about your child.
- How your child will be supported in class and more widely in the school
- How you’ll be involved in their learning and development
Schools will also be happy to arrange a meeting with the SENCO before you apply for a place, so you can discuss your child’s needs and how the school would meet them.
If your child has a social and communication difference or autism the checklist for parents may help you to think about what questions to ask.
Applying for a primary school
Mainstream schools
The application deadline is January for children starting in school in September each year.
Visiting local schools during their open days or taking a virtual tour will help you to consider which schools you prefer or think might be right for your child. Visiting dates are publicised on individual schools’ websites.
It is important that all parents apply for a place in a mainstream placement in a local mainstream school using the Bromley school application process.
Even if your child is undergoing an EHC needs assessment it is important that you follow the standard process for applying for a primary school place.
If you do not apply for a place and an EHC plan (EHCP) is not issued for your child, following the assessment, you may miss out on a place at one of your preferred schools.
Most parents’ preference is for their child to attend their local mainstream school, within the community they live. If their child’s support needs are significantly higher than the level of funding that is available in the school, it may be necessary for a statutory EHC needs assessment to be carried out.
Your child’s early years setting can help you with this process. If you are considering a specialist placement then a request for a Statutory Needs Assessment must be made. You may want to discuss this with your child’s pre-school and or other professionals working with your child.
Children with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan, often referred to as an EHCP) or undergoing an EHC needs assessment
If either your child has an EHC plan or following an assessment and EHC plan has been agreed, you will be invited to state your parental preferences for a particular school or educational setting (including independent schools which have been approved for this purpose by the Secretary of State). Find out more about naming a school.
What your child’s setting can do
A successful transition from early years to primary school involves both settings working together. It’s important that your child’s early years setting shares as much information as possible with their new school. This will help the primary school plan how it will meet your child’s needs. It is important that families are in discussions and are able to contribute to this process.
This may be done in a number of ways:
- Bromley Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) transfer document summary or early years own transfer documents
- SEN support plan (where appropriate)
- An individual transition meeting may be appropriate
- Early Years Inclusion Team (EYIT) share records with the receiving school
Need more help?
Contact the information, advice and support service for free, impartial information, advice. Support is also offered to children and young people with SEND.
Useful resources
If you need more information or would like this information in a handy parents guide to starting school, please contact us using our feedback form.
NHS Advice about starting school
Oxford Owl – Welcome to Reception!
Ambitious About Autism - Right from the start toolkit