Transitions are part of our everyday lives. From an early stage children will experience a number of transitions from the pre-school stage through to post-school destinations. For some a change of school or class is viewed as an exciting opportunity however for others transition can be a less than positive experience.

Transitions should be viewed as a key process to a child’s learning and development and a successful transition can help a child adapt to change more positively throughout life.

One of our key priorities within our Single Outcome Agreement (2013-2023) and in the Service’s Strategic Plan (2014-2017) is transitions i.e. developing a guideline for all educational staff on supporting transitions for children with additional support needs; developing our young workforce; improving the number of positive destinations for our most vulnerable.

We have developed jointly with Clackmannanshire Council, a guideline on transitions. The focus is on supporting children with additional support needs, in making positive transitions through a consistent and co-ordinated approach to planning. The guideline outlines the Councils’ vision, aims and key principles of transition, taking account of the Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act (amended 2009), which outlines the statutory timescales for transition planning.