What is Transition?
The term ‘transition’ is used to describe the life changes that a child or young person may go through.
Key transition points include moving from:
- Class to class
- Early Years to Primary School
- Primary School to Secondary School
- Secondary School to work, college or university
It is as important to ensure a smooth transition from class to class as it is from key stage to key stage and setting to setting. Preparation for transition should be part of the ongoing Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Planning for Transition
Transitions are significant milestones in a child or young person’s life. Whether moving to a new class, starting school for the first time, or preparing for adulthood, each transition brings opportunities and challenges. Preparing for transition is very important, particularly for those with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND).
Class-to-Class Transition
Why it matters:
- Even small changes, like moving to a new classroom or teacher, can be unsettling. Consistency and preparation help children feel secure and ready to learn.
How you can help:
- Talk positively about the change and what to expect
- Visit the new classroom or meet the new teacher if possible
- Share your child’s strengths, needs, and preferences with the new teacher
- Use a One Page Profile to communicate key information about your child
- Encourage routines and discuss any worries your child may have.
Early Years to Primary School
Why it matters:
- This is often a child’s first experience of formal education. A positive start builds the foundation for lifelong learning.
How you can help:
- Attend transition events or open days at the new school.
- Read stories or role-play about starting school.
- Share information with the school about your child’s interests, routines, and support needs.
- Work with your child’s early years setting and the school to create a transition plan.
- Use visual aids or social stories to explain what school will be like.
Primary to Secondary School
Why it matters:
- This transition involves new environments, routines, and expectations. It’s a big step toward independence.
How you can help:
- Visit the new school together and attend induction days.
- Talk about changes in routine, travel, and homework.
- Encourage your child to ask questions and express concerns.
- Help them develop organisational skills (e.g., using a timetable or packing a school bag).
- If your child has SEND, ensure a transition review is held in Year 6 and that the new school receives all relevant information.
Secondary School to Work, College, or University
Why it matters:
- This is a key step toward adulthood. Planning early helps young people make informed choices and feel confident about their future
How you can help:
- Start planning in Year 9 with a focus on aspirations, strengths, and support needs. If your child has an EHC plan this will be part of their EHC annual review.
- Explore options together: further education, apprenticeships, supported internships, or employment.
- Encourage independence in travel, money management, and self-advocacy.
Work with the school or college to develop a Preparing for Adulthood plan. - Ensure your young person has access to careers advice and support services.
Travel Assistance
Some pupils with SEND may be eligible for help to get to and from school or college. Eligibility is assessed based on individual circumstances. This is explained in Cornwall Council’s Home to School Travel Assistance Policy. If your child may require support with travel, we encourage you to:
- review the policy, and
- submit an application through the Transport Coordination Service.
You can find full details and apply here: Home to School Travel Assistance - Cornwall Council
Key Principles for All Transitions
- Person-centred planning: Involve the child or young person in decisions about their future.
- Communication: Share information between settings and with relevant professionals.
- Consistency: Maintain routines and relationships where possible.
- Support: Provide emotional and practical support before, during, and after the transition.
Transition to Adult Social Care (Age 18+)
Turning 18 marks a legal and service threshold where young people may move from Children’s Services to Adult Services. This transition is crucial for ensuring continuity of care and support into adulthood.
You can find further information on Preparing for adulthood - Cornwall Council here
Transition for young people leaving care
You can find out more about supporting young people leaving care here.
Supporting young people leaving care
What is Preparing for Adulthood?
As your child grows into a young adult, the journey toward independence and adult life begins. For young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), especially those with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, this transition requires thoughtful planning and support.
Preparing for Adulthood
Preparing for adulthood is about supporting young people with SEND to achieve their aspirations and lead fulfilling lives. This includes planning for:
- Further education or training
- Employment or volunteering
- Independent or supported living
- Good health and wellbeing
- Active participation in community and social life
These outcomes are part of the national Preparing for Adulthood framework and are embedded in the SEND Code of Practice.
When Does Planning Begin?
Planning should start early, ideally by Year 9 (age 13–14). For those with an EHC plan, this will a central part of each EHC annual review. Your child’s outcomes will likely need to be adapted to reflect their aspirations as their prepare for adulthood. This ensures that support is tailored to your child’s evolving needs, interests, and goals.
Your Role as a Parent or Carer
As your child matures, they will be encouraged to express their own views and make decisions about their future. However, your role remains vital. You can:
- Help them explore their strengths, interests, and aspirations
- Support them in making informed choices
- Advocate for the right support and opportunities
- Work in partnership with schools, colleges, and professionals
Key Areas to consider
Education and Training
Explore options such as:
- Local colleges and sixth forms
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
- Supported internships for young people with higher support needs
Employment
Work experience, volunteering, and career guidance can help young people build confidence and skills for the workplace.
Independent Living
This may include learning life skills, exploring supported living options, or planning for future housing needs.
Health and Wellbeing
Ensure continuity of health care and access to adult services where needed. Encourage healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing.
Friends, Relationships and Community
Support your child to build friendships, develop social skills, and take part in community life.
Support Available in Cornwall
Headstart Kernow offers training courses and events, information, signposting and resources to help build resilience and mental wellbeing for children and young people.
You can find out more about Headstart Kernow here
The Neurodiversity Hub forms a part of the early help offer of support for children, young people, and their families. The Hub includes information about a wide range of topics including preparing for adulthood and living independently.
The Neurodiversity Hub is available here
Healthy Cornwall supporting Cornwall residents to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Advice and Support from Healthy Cornwall can be found hereCornwall Opportunities offers young people, their parents / carers and SENCOs with information about all the options available as each young person explores and makes choices regarding their post-16 education.
Visit Cornwall Opportunities here