Transition to secondary for current year 6 pupils

We have a comprehensive programme to support our pupils with moving on and work with their new schools to help them get to know our pupils.

At the end of Year 5, during annual reviews, secondary provision is discussed.  We will talk to you about your options for your child, how and when to arrange visits and when to complete the placement paperwork.  We recommend that you visit your preferred school(s) to help you with your choice.

Special secondary schools in the local area are
•    Great Oaks School in Bassett, Southampton
•    Cedar School in Nursling, Southampton

After places are allocated in the Spring, we will begin to work with our pupils’ secondary schools on transition programmes.  Staff from these schools observe the pupils in class and at play, meet with teachers and information is shared.

During the summer term, a programme of visits is arranged. Our pupils visit supported by our staff.

Transition to Great Oaks Summer 2021

Transition to secondary is always a big event for all children and their families and Covid 19 this year has meant that it is going to look a bit different. Please be assured that we are working together to provide everything we can to support you in this time and to make the best provision that we are able to. 

Information sharing 

Kate Buckingham (Assistant Head Phase 4) and Ilda Ourique (Year 7 Pathways Manager at Great Oaks) have been in contact throughout the year arranging transition and sharing information about the pupils. This has increased and class teachers have now shared information with Ilda which will be used by their new teachers and to inform class groupings in September 2021. 

Transition visits 

Due to Covid restrictions, transition visits are reduced this year. We will be in contact with you about these during the summer term. 

Preparation activities 

Next term, we will be providing, transition activities including looking at photos of Great Oaks and key staff, talking about our friends, remembering our time at Springwell and looking forward to the future. Your child will also receive a social story for you to share over the summer holidays. 

Digital stories - your child's voice

Content to be uploaded

Moving forward

In September, the transition support will continue. Kate and Ilda will continue to work together to ensure that the transition to secondary is as smooth as it can be for all the children moving on. 

Contact information

If you have any concerns regarding your placement please contact the Local Authority SEND team. 

If you would like to talk through transition regarding your child please contact Kate at Springwell. 

If you have any questions regarding Great Oaks please contact Ilda Ourique at Great Oaks school. 

Click HERE to go to the Great Oaks transition page on their website.