Transition to secondary school starts sooner than you think! As pupils join us at Town End, we begin to work closely with Tibshelf Community School to develop close relationships. We aim to show the children that ‘big school’ isn’t a scary place, and try our hardest to help the children feel ready for their next step. In Year 3 and 4, children have the opportunity to perfom using Tibshelf’s theater and equipment. During Year 4 and 5, children also attend the school regularly to take part in curriculum taster sessions. We also hold transition projects, such as the reading project, with year 5 and 6 pupils to build relationships with staff and students.
In September, Tibshelf organise open days and evenings for children and parents to visit, before they need to apply for their child’s secondary place (which can be done through Derbyshire County Council’s Admissions page). Once parents have applied, they will be informed whether they have received a place in the spring term – usually around April.
Once places have been confirmed, staff from Town End and Tibshelf meet to discuss the pupils, their needs and any important information which needs to be shared. There are additional events such as meet the tutor events and Transition Days for the students to get to know their new school. We also complete work with the children to manage their own worries and anxieties. We also organise additional visits for those pupils who we feel may need them.
If your child has an EHCP, we will organise additional meetings with yourself and the secondary school to share information, plans and routines. Learning Plans and Passports will also be shared with the SEND team.
In school, we carry out small group interventions and support groups, as well as sessions which focus on safe travel to and from school, self image and managing worries and anxieties. We also begin to ensure that children take more responsibility to organise their belongings and time in preparation for next year.
To find out more at transition to Tibshelf Community School, please click on the logo below. This will redirect you to their dedicated transition page.
If you have any worries about your child and their transition to secondary school, please speak to a member of staff or your child’s class teacher.