This is where a child moves from one educational setting to another outside of a statutory transition point i.e. starting primary school or secondary school. 

This is known as an in-year transfer. This group of children includes but is not limited to:

  • Children who have moved within the city
  • Children and young people in care (CYPIC)
  • Children who have been accessing an alternative provision
  • Children who have been electively home educated
  • Children moving into the city from another local authority or another country would also be included in this group if they arrived outside of a statutory transition point

What support is available for everyone?

Where a child is moving to another nursery setting, parents need to follow the admission arrangements for the new setting. For information about how the nursery transition can be supported please view Starting Nursery.

Where a child is within the primary and secondary phase, the local authority co-ordinates this transition through an in -year transfer form unless they have an EHCP (for children with an EHCP, SENSTART will co-ordinate the placement). Parents need to download an in-year transfer form and complete it. This then needs to be sent to the admissions team. For further information including how to appeal please view Changing schools.

The current setting will communicate with the new setting to share information. The in-year transition checklist can be used for this. The new school will contact parents to arrange a transition which could include an induction, visit and parent meeting.

What if more support is needed?

The child will benefit from the support offered to all children. However, where it is felt, by the parents/carers, professionals or the individual themselves, that the child will need a more personalised transition plan, these views should be shared with the new setting. The new setting should arrange a meeting with the child, parents/carers as well as any relevant professionals such as school nurse or strengthening families advisor.

What if even more support is needed?

Where a child has an EHCP, SENSTART co-ordinate the educational placement and parents/carers do not need to apply through admissions. SENSTART will use parental preferences and then send consultations to appropriate settings. For more information please view SEND - Education, Health and Care Plans.

Where your child is being supported by an EHCP or by a team of professionals (such as speech and language therapy (SALT), paediatrician; consultant or social worker) a specialist transition may be needed. A multi-agency meeting would need to be arranged so that parents/carers and all supporting professionals are clear about what support the child may need to make a smooth transition into the next setting following a person-centred approach.

If parents/carers are not sure whether their child needs a specialist transition, please talk to the current setting or any of the professionals that support the child or family and they will be able to advise.