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Starting primary school, secondary school or college

Find information and guidance to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) when they start primary school, secondary school or college, sometimes known as Transition. ​

Transition is a term used to explain the move a child or young person makes to start a new phase of education. For example, this could include their transition from nursery, preschool or home to reception (year R) at primary school, transition between key stages (e.g. Year 2 to Year 3), their first year of secondary school (Year 7), or transition to a sixth form college (Years 12 and 13). We have included some resources in this section to explain what might happen at these times and how you can support your child with the changes and new experiences.

More information on transitions.

 

Starting primary school is an exciting and important milestone in your child's educational journey. Our local offer aims to provide you with all the information and support you need to make this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.​

We are committed to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality education and a nurturing environment where they can thrive.​

To help younger children feel secure and confident, schools may:

  • invite families to visit the setting together
    carry out home visits to get to know the child
  • allow children to join playtimes, lunchtimes, or short sessions in their new class
  • create a personalised “All About My New School” booklet filled with photos
    read stories that explain new routines
  • introduce children to their new teachers and support staff before the child starts

These small steps help new settings feel familiar and safe.

Starting School in Hampshire - A guide for parents, carers and practitioners to help ensure the best possible start to school for Hampshire’s children.

School Readiness leaflet - A guide for parents and carers, produced by the Early Years Advisory Team.

Helpful links:

Starting primary school is an exciting and important milestone in your child's educational journey. Our local offer aims to provide you with all the information and support you need to make this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.​

We are committed to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality education and a nurturing environment where they can thrive.​

To help younger children feel secure and confident, schools may:

  • invite families to visit the setting together
    carry out home visits to get to know the child
  • allow children to join playtimes, lunchtimes, or short sessions in their new class
  • create a personalised “All About My New School” booklet filled with photos
    read stories that explain new routines
  • introduce children to their new teachers and support staff before the child starts

These small steps help new settings feel familiar and safe.

Starting School in Hampshire - A guide for parents, carers and practitioners to help ensure the best possible start to school for Hampshire’s children.

School Readiness leaflet - A guide for parents and carers, produced by the Early Years Advisory Team.

Helpful links:

This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and development but it can also be an anxiety provoking time for children. 

Moving to a new school isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a year-long journey. Schools must work closely with families, pupils, and staff to make sure every child feels prepared, confident, and supported whilst transitioning to the next phase of education.

Getting Started - Autumn Term

To help parents chose a secondary school, most secondary schools will:

•    Invite prospective parents to information evenings or open days at local secondary schools
•    For teachers from secondary schools visit primary schools to meet children and answer early questions

Sharing Information About Your Child

It is helpful if primary school staff send important information to the secondary school, such as:
•    academic strengths
•    friendship groups
•    hobbies, interests, and achievements
•    any worries or additional needs

Children may also write a short “about me” to help secondary staff get to know them. This can help secondary staff make children moving into Y7 feel welcome and settle in more quickly.

Parents should also receive a transition pack and be encouraged to talk openly with staff at both the primary and secondary school about any questions or concerns.

Planning for September

Secondary staff should use all shared information to:
•    organise tutor groups thoughtfully
•    plan an induction period
•    give new pupils time in school without older students
•    adjust timetables where needed
•    begin PSHE lessons that focus on settling in

Meeting the Secondary School Team

Generally, around May, transition staff from the secondary school will begin visiting primary schools to speak with pupils and teachers to learn more about them and which children might need more support.

Building Familiarity

In June or July; 
•    Your child may meet the staff who will support them in Year 7.
•    Some Year 7s return to primary schools to share their experiences.
•    Pupils can ask questions, talk about friendships, and take home an introduction pack.

On the transition day:

Your child will:
•    visit their new school
•    tour the building
•    meet teachers and classmates
•    try out activities or taster lessons

Parent Welcome Evening

Secondary schools host an evening in the first term where families can:
•    meet staff
•    receive helpful leaflets and information
•    ask questions about routines, support, and expectations

Settling In During the First Term

•    Staff keep a close eye on how pupils are adapting.
•    Some schools offer mentoring or extra check-ins.
•    An autumn parents’ evening updates you on how your child is doing so far.

Please find below a range of resources and guidance to help children, young people and their families navigate this transition smoothly.

Helpful links:

This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and development but it can also be an anxiety provoking time for children. 

Moving to a new school isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a year-long journey. Schools must work closely with families, pupils, and staff to make sure every child feels prepared, confident, and supported whilst transitioning to the next phase of education.

Getting Started - Autumn Term

To help parents chose a secondary school, most secondary schools will:

•    Invite prospective parents to information evenings or open days at local secondary schools
•    For teachers from secondary schools visit primary schools to meet children and answer early questions

Sharing Information About Your Child

It is helpful if primary school staff send important information to the secondary school, such as:
•    academic strengths
•    friendship groups
•    hobbies, interests, and achievements
•    any worries or additional needs

Children may also write a short “about me” to help secondary staff get to know them. This can help secondary staff make children moving into Y7 feel welcome and settle in more quickly.

Parents should also receive a transition pack and be encouraged to talk openly with staff at both the primary and secondary school about any questions or concerns.

Planning for September

Secondary staff should use all shared information to:
•    organise tutor groups thoughtfully
•    plan an induction period
•    give new pupils time in school without older students
•    adjust timetables where needed
•    begin PSHE lessons that focus on settling in

Meeting the Secondary School Team

Generally, around May, transition staff from the secondary school will begin visiting primary schools to speak with pupils and teachers to learn more about them and which children might need more support.

Building Familiarity

In June or July; 
•    Your child may meet the staff who will support them in Year 7.
•    Some Year 7s return to primary schools to share their experiences.
•    Pupils can ask questions, talk about friendships, and take home an introduction pack.

On the transition day:

Your child will:
•    visit their new school
•    tour the building
•    meet teachers and classmates
•    try out activities or taster lessons

Parent Welcome Evening

Secondary schools host an evening in the first term where families can:
•    meet staff
•    receive helpful leaflets and information
•    ask questions about routines, support, and expectations

Settling In During the First Term

•    Staff keep a close eye on how pupils are adapting.
•    Some schools offer mentoring or extra check-ins.
•    An autumn parents’ evening updates you on how your child is doing so far.

Please find below a range of resources and guidance to help children, young people and their families navigate this transition smoothly.

Helpful links:

Some children need more time and preparation for transitions, especially those with special educational needs. To help, schools may offer:

  • extra visits with a family member or friend
  • taking photos of classrooms and key areas
  • colour-coded maps of the school
  • simple, easy-to-read timetables
  • daily checklists for equipment
  • understanding when children get lost or arrive late in the first weeks
  • lessons that help classmates understand different needs
  • opportunities for pupils to talk about their strengths if they choose

Schools may also adapt classrooms or provide virtual tours to help children feel more confident.

For further information please watch our video:

Hampshire SENDIASS have a YouTube video on how to successfully move to secondary school if your child is on SEN support at primary school.

 

 

 

Some children need more time and preparation for transitions, especially those with special educational needs. To help, schools may offer:

  • extra visits with a family member or friend
  • taking photos of classrooms and key areas
  • colour-coded maps of the school
  • simple, easy-to-read timetables
  • daily checklists for equipment
  • understanding when children get lost or arrive late in the first weeks
  • lessons that help classmates understand different needs
  • opportunities for pupils to talk about their strengths if they choose

Schools may also adapt classrooms or provide virtual tours to help children feel more confident.

For further information please watch our video:

Hampshire SENDIASS have a YouTube video on how to successfully move to secondary school if your child is on SEN support at primary school.

 

 

 

Hampshire SENDIASS has a YouTube video on the phase transfer annual review process when your child is moving to secondary school.

 

Learn more about annual reviews.

Hampshire SENDIASS has a YouTube video on the phase transfer annual review process when your child is moving to secondary school.

 

Learn more about annual reviews.

If your young person has an EHCP, the transition into adulthood starts early. The Year 9 Annual Review is a key milestone in this journey, offering a chance for everyone to think and plan for a young person's journey to independence, whatever that may look like for them and however long that might take. 

From Year 9, schools should help young people—especially those with SEND—prepare for adult life by discussing:

·       future education or training
·       careers and employment goals
·       independent living
·       health and wellbeing
·       getting involved in the community

For pupils with an EHC plan, annual reviews will include planning for adulthood and ensuring the right support is in place.

The Year 9 Annual Review checklist is designed to assist SEN and educational professionals in conducting thorough, person-centred reviews that comply with the statutory requirements outlined in the Code of Practice, 2015.

Guide for parents and carers of young people with SEND in Hampshire. Planning for post-16 options for Year 9 onwards.

Helpful links

If your young person has an EHCP, the transition into adulthood starts early. The Year 9 Annual Review is a key milestone in this journey, offering a chance for everyone to think and plan for a young person's journey to independence, whatever that may look like for them and however long that might take. 

From Year 9, schools should help young people—especially those with SEND—prepare for adult life by discussing:

·       future education or training
·       careers and employment goals
·       independent living
·       health and wellbeing
·       getting involved in the community

For pupils with an EHC plan, annual reviews will include planning for adulthood and ensuring the right support is in place.

The Year 9 Annual Review checklist is designed to assist SEN and educational professionals in conducting thorough, person-centred reviews that comply with the statutory requirements outlined in the Code of Practice, 2015.

Guide for parents and carers of young people with SEND in Hampshire. Planning for post-16 options for Year 9 onwards.

Helpful links

As with all major changes, leaving school and moving on to college can be a scary time. It's normal for young people to have mixed feelings or feel nervous, even if they are looking forward to starting college. Speak to the school and the college your young person is going to attend as there is help out there to support them. 

For more information have a look at our Colleges and post-16 information section: Post 16 and college options.

Helpful links:

As with all major changes, leaving school and moving on to college can be a scary time. It's normal for young people to have mixed feelings or feel nervous, even if they are looking forward to starting college. Speak to the school and the college your young person is going to attend as there is help out there to support them. 

For more information have a look at our Colleges and post-16 information section: Post 16 and college options.

Helpful links:

Good transitions happen when:

  • schools and families communicate openly
  • pupils are involved in the process and have a chance to express their feelings
  • new environments feel familiar before the move
  • parents work together with staff to support routines, organisation, and confidence

Good transitions happen when:

  • schools and families communicate openly
  • pupils are involved in the process and have a chance to express their feelings
  • new environments feel familiar before the move
  • parents work together with staff to support routines, organisation, and confidence

Moving up to a new year group is still a transition, even when a child remains at the same school. It’s normal for children to feel anxious about this change, but there are practical ways to support them:

  • Establish routines early to help your child feel prepared and secure.
  • Use visual supports—such as photos or videos of new teachers and classrooms—to make the environment feel more familiar.
  • Practise new situations through simple role-play, like finding a classroom or asking for help.
  • Stay connected with the school and ask questions—no concern is too small.

When families and schools work together, this transition can become a positive experience, helping children feel confident, secure, and ready for the next step.

Moving up to a new year group is still a transition, even when a child remains at the same school. It’s normal for children to feel anxious about this change, but there are practical ways to support them:

  • Establish routines early to help your child feel prepared and secure.
  • Use visual supports—such as photos or videos of new teachers and classrooms—to make the environment feel more familiar.
  • Practise new situations through simple role-play, like finding a classroom or asking for help.
  • Stay connected with the school and ask questions—no concern is too small.

When families and schools work together, this transition can become a positive experience, helping children feel confident, secure, and ready for the next step.

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