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Additional Support for Learning Transitions

Additional Support for Learning Transitions

School education involves a series of transitions that every child and young person will experience. These include:

• Starting early learning and childcare (pre-school)
• Moving into primary school
• Progressing through different stages of primary and secondary school
• Transitioning beyond school into adult life

Good transitions are not one off events but carefully managed processes that respond to the individual needs of each child or young person. This includes ensuring continuity of support, sharing relevant information between professionals, and recognising the importance of relationships, especially for those with additional support needs.

Under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 education authorities have discretion over which children or young people are covered by the statutory transition duties. It would not be practical or necessary to apply these duties to every child with minor or short-term needs

However, the duties apply to children and young people with additional support needs in any of the following situations:

• They have a co-ordinated support plan (CSP)
• They are placed in a special school, unit, or enhanced provision
• Their needs arise from a disability under the Equality Act 2010
• They are at risk of struggling with transition (eg looked after children, young carers)

Starting primary school

For those children that are in one of the above categories, the following should take place:

• At least 6 months prior to starting the placement, Education authorities must seek and consider advice/information from other agencies (eg NHS, social work, early learning and childcare staff) and confirm named person or lead professional. The named person is usually a key point of contact (such as a health visitor or head teacher) who supports a child’s wellbeing, while a lead professional may be appointed where multiple services are involved to help coordinate support
• At least three months prior to placement, plans and support information must be shared with relevant agencies (including the start date, the additional support needs, support provided in the previous 3 months)

Transitioning to secondary school

During primary 6, schools should identify children with ASN in the above categories, who require an enhanced transition. An enhanced transition to school is a personalised, extra support process designed for children with additional support needs (ASN) or high anxiety to ensure a smooth move into a new school environment.

At least 12 months before transition schools must seek and consider advice/ information from other agencies and begin gathering pupil voice. Arrangements should be made for enhanced transition.

By 6 months prior to start, the transition plan, and relevant information must be share with the receiving secondary school and appropriate agencies.

Transition from secondary school onwards

It is important to start conversations early with young people about what they would like to do when they leave school.

In the two years leading up to leaving, schools should explore potential pathways the young person would like to take.

By 12 months before leaving school, schools must seek and consider advice/information from appropriate agencies (Skills Development Scotland, further education colleges, higher education institutions, NHS boards, other local authorities).

By 6 months before leaving, schools should Share key information with agencies. Confirm destination plan.

It is important that children and young people are involved at every stage of transition planning.

Additional information

• Enquire pages​
  • Advice for parents and carers in Scotland
  • Starting primary school
  • Moving to high school
  • Planning for leaving school
  • What is additional support for learning