Launch of West Berkshire Transitions best practice guides

West Berkshire Council has recently launched its 'Guidance for Successful Primary to Secondary Transition'. The guidance was co-produced in collaboration with representatives from schools, local authority teams and other services. It supports a successful primary to secondary transition for all learners, including those who are vulnerable and may need an Enhanced Transition.
 

The guide includes a range of resources to support schools, including:

• a timeline for transition
• checklist for primary and secondary Transition Leads
• ideas to preparing children in primary with transition to secondary
• the transition support available from West Berkshire's advisory teams
• top tips for those requiring an Enhanced Transition
• questionnaires for pupils and parents
• additional resources to support pupils and parents with change

It also sets out how good transition should enable children to:

• develop new friendships and improve self-esteem and confidence
• show interest and engagement in school and in their school work
• get used to new routines quickly
• experience curriculum continuity and an appropriate level of challenge and support in their learning

All children can be vulnerable at times of change and a successful start in a new setting requires careful planning and preparation. All educational settings must adhere to the Equality Act (2010) which means they must make 'reasonable adjustments' so as not to place learners at a disadvantage.

Activity is planned throughout the rest of the year to make sure that this guide is used to positively impact on children in West Berkshire. More news will be shared here on this as well as the imminent launch of our Transitions Guide for Early Years children.

If you would like to get involved in creating our parent versions of these guides, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact beth.kelly1@westberks.gov.uk.

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