Primary to Secondary Transition
Transitioning from primary to secondary school is a significant milestone for students. It can be both exciting and nerve wracking for all but can be particularly challenging for children with special educational needs.
Some of the key challenges are:
❖ Having to navigate an unfamiliar, larger environment with more students and teachers
❖ Moving to a different room for every lesson
❖ Different teachers for each subject
❖ More homework
❖ Increased independence – more responsibility for time management, remembering equipment
❖ Navigating different social groups and making new friends.
I am able to advise both parents and schools to help facilitate a successful transition process.
Primary to secondary transition for children with special educational needs in mainstream schooling is a particular interest of mine and one I studied in depth during my undergraduate degree – it was the topic of my dissertation and I spent a considerable amount of time interviewing both primary and secondary teachers and SENCos along with children who had recently moved to secondary school. This gave me a good understanding of the feelings of the children and the preparation and support they received before, during and after the move.