Transitions are paramount to any family joining our school. We recognise that at times students have had extended periods out of education or there has been a breakdown in relationships, which may have a lasting impact on a student. With us being mindful of the families joining us, we are always considering the families and their students, who are already part of the school community, which is why we are dedicated to the process we have in place.

Students will first transition into the school when their proposed cohort is attending forest school and stable futures. As a school that is relationship-based, building relationships with key staff is the starting point for all students. An agreed parental figure while your young person is in school will be agreed during this time .

Phase 1: Students who meet the criteria of a Phase 1 transition into the school will attend the school for an hour at a time to support them in building relationships with key adults, working through a Thrive assessment which focuses on personal development and gives the time to the school to ensure that the environment is tailored to the student’s needs.

  Phase 2: Students who meet the criteria of a Phase 2 transition when joining the school or are ready to move on from Stage 1, will attend 1-hour sessions with 1-1 literacy specialist with a focused program, which runs alongside the Thrive/Personal development program. 

Phase 3: Students who meet the criteria of a Phase 3 transition when joining the school or are ready to move on from Stage 2 will continue having the 1-1 session with the literacy lead while being integrated into the classroom to work alongside their peers. The curriculum offer will continue to be reduced to ensure that students do not suffer from cognitive overload.  

  Phase 4: Students who meet the criteria of a Phase 4 transition when joining the school or are ready to move on from Stage 3 will continue having the 1-1 session with the literacy lead while being integrated into the classroom to work alongside their peers. The curriculum offer will continue to be reduced to ensure that students do not suffer from cognitive overload.   

  Phase 5 – Students will be ready for the classroom full-time and accessing the full curriculum.  

However, students will be introduced to Stable Futures and the Paddocks, which is Haywards Farm School & Northcroft School, as soon as the child is ready, usually as they are progressing into phase 3 

For students unable to transition into school with our phased transition plan, an annual review will be called with the local authority, and additional options will then be discussed.