Transition between schools

What are the factors which make transition challenging?

There are several factors that make transition to a new educational setting challenging. In a presentation to a Transition Symposium in London in 2008, Lalli Howell, Head of service for autism for Brighton and Hove LEA highlighted the following:

• Change in itself: the unknown
• Setting: size, ethos, learning arrangements, style of support
• People: number, unknown, older
• Details: uniform, schedule, lunch
• Independence: travel, support

The following sections include some great tips from parents on the forum:

• Tips for transition between schools

• Planning transition to a new school

• What can schools do to help support students with autism with transition?

Also, have a look at these useful lists of questions to ask when visiting a new school:

• Questions compiled by MENCAP

• Questions compiled by Lynn Plimley