Managing transitions

Transition can be a difficult, nervous and exciting time for any learner. For children and young people who require additional support it can be a particularly stressful time for them and their family. However, the process can be eased with appropriate understanding, partnership work, support and planning.

It important to understand that transitions occur throughout each day and through the year, not only at the obvious stages such as P7 – S1 or S4/5/6 to post school. Some children and young people may need understanding, support and planning at such times.

There are a number of factors which need to be considered when managing and ensuring effective transitions for learners.

Listed below are some suggestions:

  • Work collaboratively during transitions, sharing good practice for the learner in question with all those involved: the school, the learner, the parents/carers, staff from the previous/future establishments, partner services and agencies.

  • Consider how this information relates to your practice and whether any reasonable adjustments or strategies need to be put in place in order to meet the learner’s needs.

  • Reflect on how well transition processes are working in your class/subject area and with more informal aspects of the school day. Arrange to get feedback from all involved, both informally and formally, as part of a whole school process.

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For more information on the principles of good transitions the Scottish Transition Forum have developed a support guide on their website entitled Principles of Good Transitions 3 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

Reflective Task: Supporting transition

In your Reflective Log consider how you contribute towards supporting the children and young people in your class to ensure that they experience successful transitions.

Reflect on how well transition processes are working in your class/subject area.

You may consider gathering feedback from all involved, both informally and formally, as part of a whole school process.

Managing and disseminating information

Collaborative working