Supporting positive and well-planned transitions for children and young people with SEND in Croydon

Transitions are key moments of change in a child or young person’s journey - such as moving from nursery to school, primary to secondary, or into adulthood. For those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), these changes can feel especially challenging and need to be planned carefully and with the right support in place.

This section of the Croydon Local Offer brings together the essential tools, guidance and resources professionals need to support children, young people, and their families through these important changes in education, health and care.

Transitions are the bigger life changes - like starting school, moving to secondary, or preparing for adulthood. These changes affect not just the child’s education, but often their routine, relationships, independence and support needs.

Transfers refer to specific processes - for example, when an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is formally moved from one setting to another, such as from primary to secondary school, or from children’s to adult services.

Good transition planning should include the transfer process, but also go beyond it - to make sure the young person is emotionally and practically prepared for what’s next. 

You’ll find a range of resources and support for:

• Transitions across Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16 pathways.
• The Croydon Pathways to Adulthood programme and local transition protocols.
• Transfer of EHCPs at key phases (e.g. Year 6 to Year 7, Post-16, Post-19).
• Tools for person-centred planning, including “All About Me” profiles.
• Preparing for adulthood: independent living, employment, friends, and good health.
• Guidance on multi-agency working, roles and responsibilities during transition.
• Signposting to local and national guidance, including statutory timelines. 

Well-supported transitions help children and young people to:

• Feel confident, informed and emotionally prepared.
• Maintain important relationships and routines.
• Access the right support at the right time.
• Move forward into education, training, or adult life successfully.

Your role in planning early, involving families, sharing information, and preparing the young person makes a big difference to their long-term outcomes. 

This section is for professionals in:

• Education (e.g. SENCOs, teachers, and college staff)
  
• Health (e.g. therapists, community paediatricians, nurses)
  
• Social care and Early Help
  
• Youth services and voluntary sector organisations
  
• Anyone supporting a young person with an EHCP or SEN Support plan 

Explore the Transition Resources section for:

• Downloadable tools and checklists
  
• Local guidance and referral routes
  
• Case studies and examples of good practice
  
• Training opportunities for professionals
  

Together, we can help ensure that transitions and transfers are well-managed, person-centred, and lead to positive outcomes for every child and young person with SEND in Croydon.