Supporting Transitions – Information for Parents, Carers and Young People
At Portobello High School, we recognise that changes to year group, staff teams, and routines can be particularly significant for some young people. As part of our commitment to inclusive and well-planned support, we offer Transition Support Meetings for pupils with additional support needs who may benefit from a more personalised transition.
What to Expect Before the Transition
Families identified for this additional support will receive:
A direct communication explaining the upcoming move into a new year group - this will be issued around mid-May.
Details of the new Pupil Support Leader (PSL) and Year Head
An invitation to attend a Transition Planning Meeting
These meetings are usually offered between May and June, or in some cases at the start of the new term in August. The aim is to support a smooth, informed transition for both the young person and their family.
Who Will Attend
Where possible, the member of staff who has worked most closely with your child over the past year will be present at the meeting, along with key members of the new support team. Ahead of the meeting, we will ask who your child identifies as their ‘safe person’ to ensure the right adults are involved in supporting the handover.
Meeting Format Options
We understand that every family has different preferences and circumstances. Meetings can be arranged:
In school
At an alternative location
Online (via Microsoft Teams)
By phone
To help make the meeting as productive as possible, we may ask families and young people to complete one or more of the following tools in advance. Over the coming months we will look to develop a wider range of tools.
· ‘Pupil Voice Information Gathering’ sheet
· Attendance assessment – Push and Pull factors
· Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) assessment
What Will Be Discussed
The purpose of the Transition Planning Meeting is to:
Reflect on what support has worked well so far
Discuss any areas of challenge or change
Agree a clear plan of support for the year ahead
Together, we will co-produce a simple and personalised transition support plan that ensures the young person is well-supported from the outset.
New and Evolving Support Offers
We are continuing to develop our support provision to meet a wider range of needs. This includes:
Extension of the current Progress Pathways Centre provision to include a satellite learning provision at off-site locations, offering structured morning, afternoon, twilight, and virtual learning in a smaller setting. Full details here
Personalised transitions, including phased introductions to new staff and visual supports tailored to individual needs
Outdoor learning and leadership opportunities that promote wellbeing, connection and practical skill development
If you have any questions about transition support or would like to request a planning meeting, please contact the school directly.