ASN Transition Checklist and Flow Chart

For Managers in Early Learning and Childcare, Schools and Learning Centres/ Special Schools

Flow Chart: Delivering ASN Transitions

Start – Identify Children Requiring ASN Transition Support (Promoting setting initiates early destination planning – at least 15 months before transition)

Step 1: Early Planning

  • Promoting Setting Responsibilities
    • Identify ASN learners
    • Engage parents/carers
    • Share initial information with receiving setting

Step 2: Multi-Agency Collaboration

  • Key Actions
    • Convene planning meeting with:
      • Promoting setting
      • Receiving setting
      • Parents/carers
      • Educational Psychologist / ASN staff / Health / Social Work

Step 3: Draft Transition Plan

  • Include:
    • Child’s voice
    • Parent/carer input
    • Support strategies
    • Timeline of visits and enhanced activities

Step 4: Confirm Plan

  • Receiving Setting Leads
    • Ensure plan is finalised 6 months before transition
    • Share with all stakeholders

Step 5: Implement Enhanced Transition Programme

  • Actions:
    • Familiarisation visits
    • Relationship-building activities
    • Curriculum alignment

Step 6: Review and Adjust

  • Mid-Year Review
    • Check progress
    • Update plan if needed

Step 7: Final Preparations

  • End of Term 4
    • Share all formal plans (Child’s Plan, IEP, CSP)
    • Confirm readiness for transition

Step 8: Post-Transition Review

  • Annual Process Review Meeting
    • Evaluate success
    • Identify adjustments for next cohort

✅ Key Principles Embedded:

  • Child-Centred: Focus on the individual child’s needs, interests, and experiences.
  • Culture: A positive and inclusive school culture is essential for ensuring successful transitions.
  • Collaboration: Foster strong partnerships between schools, families, and other agencies.
  • Consistency: Ensure continuity in relationships, routines, and expectations.
  • Communication: Maintain open, honest, and developmental appropriate dialogue with children and families.

ASN Transitions Checklist

🔁 1. Continuity of Learning

  • Has prior learning, strengths, and support strategies been clearly documented and shared?
  • Are transition plans building on the child’s existing skills and knowledge?
  • Have “fresh start” approaches been avoided in favour of planned progression?

👨‍👩‍👧 2. Family Engagement

  • Have parents/carers been actively involved in transition planning from the outset?
  • Are their insights and concerns reflected in the transition plan?
  • Have regular communication channels been established with families?

🗣️ 3. Child Participation

  • Has the child been given opportunities to express their views and preferences?
  • Are their voices reflected in the transition plan?
  • Have accessible tools (e.g. visuals, communication aids) been used to support participation?

❤️ 4. Best Interests of the Child

  • Are all decisions guided by the child’s individual needs, abilities, and circumstances?
  • Has the child’s emotional well-being been considered in all planning?
  • Are transitions paced and structured to reduce anxiety and promote confidence?

⚖️ 5. Equity and Inclusion

  • Are transition processes inclusive and accessible to all learners?
  • Have barriers related to disability, language, culture, or socio-economic background been identified and addressed?
  • Is there evidence of anti-discriminatory practice in planning and delivery?

🧩 6. Support for Additional Needs

  • Are tailored supports and reasonable adjustments in place?
  • Have Enhanced Transition Programmes been planned where appropriate?
  • Are all relevant professionals (e.g. ASN staff, Educational Psychologists, therapists) involved?

👩‍🏫 7. Skilled and Responsive Adults

  • Are staff trained and confident in supporting ASN transitions?
  • Have key adults been identified to build relationships with the child?
  • Is there a nurturing, predictable environment in place to support the transition?

📅8. Planning and Implementation

  • Is there a clear transition timeline with key dates and responsibilities?
  • Have transition passports/profiles been completed and shared?
  • Are regular review meetings scheduled to monitor progress and adapt plans?

School staff can download a printable version of this checklist.

📌 Why This Matters

“Children often experience a ‘dip’ in cognitive and emotional development during transitions.”
(Dunlop & Fabian, 2007)