Transition Statement

Transition Statement

At Barton Manor School, we understand that the transition from primary to secondary school is a significant milestone in a young person’s life, and we are committed to making it as smooth and positive as possible. Transition is more than just moving schools; it’s about ensuring every child feels confident, supported, and ready to take their next steps in education. We know that a well-structured and thoughtful transition process can make a lasting impact on a student’s academic success, emotional well-being, and overall sense of belonging.

To support this, we have a comprehensive transition programme that ensures every student feels valued and prepared. A key member of our pastoral team visits every primary school to meet with each student individually, taking time to answer questions, build rapport, and begin establishing those vital relationships. For students with special educational needs (SEN) or those who may be more vulnerable, additional visits and tailored support plans are put in place. These can include pre-visits to Barton Manor School, where students can familiarize themselves with the environment in a calm and supportive setting. Our SENCO works closely with primary school staff and families to develop strategies that will help these students thrive, which are communicated to all staff before the September term commences.

Strong communication between home and school is central to this process. We believe that positive relationships with parents and carers are key to a successful transition. That’s why we host a 1:1 meeting with every student and their family, providing an opportunity to discuss concerns, ask questions, and share insights about the child’s strengths and needs. We also hold a transition evening, where parents receive key information about the school’s routines, expectations, and support systems. While parents engage with staff, students take part in icebreaker activities with their form tutors, begin building relationships with their peers, and receive an encouraging introduction from their Heads of Year.

To ensure no detail is overlooked, our key staff meet with Year 6 teachers to exchange and clarify essential information about each student’s academic progress, social development, and pastoral needs. This collaboration ensures we fully understand the unique strengths and challenges of each child, helping us to tailor our support accordingly.

All students are invited to participate in two full transition days during the summer term. These days allow students to familiarize themselves with the layout of the school, meet their new classmates, experience sample lessons, and begin building confidence in their new setting. For those who find transitions particularly challenging, our wellbeing and pastoral teams provide additional interventions, such as small group support sessions, to help ease any anxiety. Once the term begins, our nurture nests and games clubs offer a safe and welcoming space during lunchtimes for students who may be struggling to settle socially.

To further support new students as they begin their journey with us, we have a peer mentoring and buddy system in place. Older students, trained as peer mentors, provide guidance and encouragement to Year 7 students, offering advice and answering questions based on their own experiences. These buddies help new students navigate the social and academic challenges of starting secondary school, providing an additional layer of support and fostering a sense of belonging within the school community.

We are committed to fostering a strong home-school partnership because we know that children flourish when parents and schools work closely together. Our transition process is designed to ensure open lines of communication, provide reassurance to families, and give students the best possible start at Barton Manor School. By working collaboratively with students, parents, primary schools, and our older student mentors, we aim to build a foundation of trust and support that will enable every child to feel confident, cared for, and ready to thrive as part of our school community.