Supporting the Transition from Primary to Secondary School for SEN Children with Kirsty Greenwood

As the new Year 7 cohort settles into secondary school life and the Year 6 students prepare for their upcoming transition, I wanted to highlight this timely topic for our discussion this week. My daughter is about to embark on this journey, and I must admit, the prospect of secondary school feels quite daunting! A recent report revealed that 1 in 4 children disengage during the transition to secondary school, with their enjoyment, sense of safety, and trust significantly declining in the first year. This understandably impacts their attendance. In today's episode, Dale is joined by Kirsty Greenwood, a Transitions Support Specialist, to discuss 'Supporting the Transition from Primary to Secondary School for SEN Children'. It's currently estimated that there are 1.2 million SEN pupils in England without an EHCP, reflecting a 4.7% rise in just one year. Kirsty shines a spotlight on the critical but often overlooked transition for primary-aged children on the SEN register who do not have an EHCP. These are the students who appear to be coping academically yet struggle significantly. They discuss several crucial topics, including: The challenges faced by children transitioning to secondary school, the experience from PE to the canteen. The importance of providing meaningful, extended transition experiences rather than token gestures. Practical strategies to support these students, ensuring they feel included and prepared for their new environment. "We need to do more to prepare them, it's too much of a shock for lots and lots of children". Kirsty Greenwood Kirsty's insights are invaluable for anyone involved in education, especially parents and teachers of SEN children. This conversation sheds light on the steps we can take to ensure a smoother transition and ultimately improve outcomes for these students. View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Kirsty Greenwood Kirsty Greenwood is a dedicated advocate committed to improving the transition experience for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) as they move from primary to secondary education. Recognising that many children on the SEN register lack an EHCP—and therefore often miss out on tailored support.  Kirsty focuses on bridging this gap to ensure these students receive the assistance they need during this critical period.  Through collaboration with families, educators, and local schools Kirsty promotes early intervention strategies, enhanced communication between schools, and the implementation of person-centered planning tools such as one-page profiles and individualised support plans. By championing inclusive practices and advocating for systemic changes, Kirsty aims to create a more equitable educational landscape where every child with SEN can thrive during their transition to secondary school.    Contact Kirsty https://www.facebook.com/tfortransition https://www.instagram.com/tfortransition/ [email protected]     Useful Links High Needs Funding Operational Guide EBSA Toolkit for Schools   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – [email protected]  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.