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.