Transition

What does it look like?

We are often asked 'how will my child be supported in their transition to St Andrew's' and the answer is simply: with exceptional care, personal and individual support, by a passionate and trained team of experienced staff.

KS2-3 transition is overseen by Ms Goss (Assistant Headteacher). All members of staff are exceptionally experienced in pastoral care. Your child will in the very best hands when they join STA, and will remain so throughout their time with us.

When parents and carers are notified of secondary school places, we write to you with an induction pack. The induction pack gives you all the information you will need in preparation for your child joining STA.

This includes:

· Information about transition day in July (a locally agreed date where Year 6 students visit their secondary schools for the day)

· Uniform and equipment requirements

· Parent/carer questionnaire when we learn about your child including which friends she/he would like to be placed in a tutor group with

· An invitation to meet with our SENCO to discuss any individual requirements your child may have to support them to fully access the curriculum

· An activity for your child to complete entitled ‘All About Me’

A member of staff will visit your child in their current school (COVID allowing!) and discuss pastoral and learning requirements with the current class teacher.

In July, students attend STA for their transition day to meet their tutor and experience some lessons. Older students are always on hand to help. After school, parents and carers are invited to meet the Headteacher and other key members of staff.

Any students requiring a more substantial transition will be invited to meet our learning mentor so that they begin to build a relationship with someone in school.

Children with SEND are also invited in for an extra transition day as we recognise at times, these students have more varied needs which we will cater for.

Should parents and carers require any support or guidance with the transition process, Ms Goss will be available to discuss these with you at your convenience.

When students join us in September, they benefit from incredible support from all staff but in particular Ms Goss and their tutor. Ms Goss runs a transition programme which prepares students for upcoming challenges but also celebrates in their inevitable successes as they progress through the year. Parents and carers receive regular updates regarding the programme and what school are preparing their children for. We develop very close links with our families with the full belief that we work in partnership to ensure each and every child achieves their God given potential.

Pastoral care at STA is exceptional and we believe there is a considerable value in tutors remaining with their tutees for their St Andrew’s journey. Where possible, tutors remain with their tutor group from Year 7 to Year 11.

"I just wanted to say how impressed and grateful I am for the support you have all put in for my son in his first week. Your SENCO and her team along with Mr Carter have been fantastic with our son. We are doing all we can at home to try to build on the support you are giving him"

‘’ Well what a week it has been! Our son has been so happy and enthusiastic this week he has thoroughly enjoyed his new school and all it has to offer. Can I thank you all for making this possible for him and helping and caring for him. It's something from a school we aren’t used too!"

"You have made my boy happy and for that I thank you and have shown him how fun and exciting school can be ‘’

"I just wanted to bring to your attention some great work that has gone on this week at St. Andrew's. I have been really impressed by the attention to detail of staff on reception and in student services, team members were so kind and helpful and made me feel that nothing was too much trouble. Please pass on my sincere thanks."

"Mr. Carter has been phenomenal in supporting my son and listening to my concerns. We have been extremely well supported."