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Transition plans and reviews
If your son or daughter has a statement of SEN you will already be used to the annual review of their statement.
In England and Wales, when your son or daughter is in year 9 (aged 13-14), the annual review is called a transition review. This marks the beginning of the formal transition process. In Northern Ireland, transition will be discussed and a plan drawn up at the first annual review after the young person's 14th birthday.
At this meeting, as well as reviewing the last year and whether the statement is still appropriate, the school will help you and your son or daughter to develop a transition plan. This document sets out what you and your son or daughter would like to happen in the future and what support you will receive to achieve this.
As a family we knew that the year 9 review would be the start of a very important journey leading up to our son leaving school at 19. It was an exciting time, one that would help us start thinking about his future, a time to reflect on those things he could do and enjoyed doing. It was also a time to explore how we could increase and develop his independence, provide him with new opportunities he would enjoy and increase his confidence.
In England, the head teacher of your school has the responsibility to call this meeting in partnership with the Connexions service in your area. In reality, the role may be given to someone else such as the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) in the school, the head of year or a Connexions worker. You will need to find out who takes on this role at your child's school.
In Wales, support and guidance is available from Careers Wales.
In Northern Ireland, careers advisers based in JobCentres, Jobs and Benefits offices and careers offices provide an all-age advice and guidance service, to help young people and adults make informed choices about their future career paths.
