School to college transition for learners with SEND
A practical timeline for school to college transition for learners with SEND, including the 31 March EHCP deadline, information sharing and the first six weeks.
Template
Transition information template for learners with SEND
A free, learner-led transition information template for learners with SEND moving from school to college or between providers: what helps and what to share.
Template at a glance
- Print or copy into your own documents
- Free to adapt for your setting
- Written with the learner, not about them
- 6 sections
In short
A transition information summary lets a learner share what helps with their next provider, in their own words and with their consent. This free template keeps it short and avoids unneeded sensitive data.
Starting somewhere new is easier when people already know what helps you. This template is a short summary a learner can hand to a new college, training provider or employer. It supports the move described in our guide to school to college transition.
When should you use a transition information template for learners with SEND?
Use it when a learner is moving from school to FE, between providers, from a college course to an apprenticeship, or back into learning. It sits alongside, not in place of, any statutory transfer of information for learners with an EHCP. See preparing for adulthood outcomes for the wider picture.
How do you fill it in well?
Keep to what helps and what the learner is hoping for. Use “I” statements if the learner is writing.
| Weak wording (fictional example) | Stronger wording (fictional example) |
|---|---|
| “Has additional needs.” | “I find it easier to start work if the first step is written down.” |
| “Poor attendance history.” | “Mornings are hard. I do better when I can start at 9:30, and I will tell you if I am going to be late.” |
| “Anxious.” | “A short tour of the building before term really helps me. I like to know where the quiet room is.” |
The template
1. About me
- Name (the name I like to be called):
- Where I am coming from:
- What I am going to:
- Things I enjoy and am good at:
2. What I want
- What I am hoping to do next:
- What I am looking forward to:
- What I am worried about:
3. What helps me
| In lessons or at work | At break times and around the building | When things go wrong |
|---|---|---|
4. Support I have had that worked
| Support | Where | Why it helped |
|---|---|---|
5. Who I want to know
- I am happy for this to be shared with: (names or roles)
- I would rather not share: (optional)
- I would like to meet or speak to someone before I start: [ ] Yes [ ] No
6. Contact and review
- Best way to contact me:
- Someone I trust who can help me:
- Let us talk again on:
How do you involve the learner?
The learner leads. Offer a draft to react to, but never complete it for them without their review. Give options: handwriting, typing, a recorded conversation or a collage. Allow time and revisit it, since feelings about a move can change. Share the final version with the learner first.
What are the data protection notes?
Ask for the minimum. Do not request a diagnosis, family history or full school records for this summary. Sending a previous provider’s whole file to a new one is rarely necessary. Where information must be transferred under a statutory process, follow that process separately. Under the ICO’s data minimisation principle, data must be adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary. Record what the learner agreed to share and with whom, and send only to named people.
What does Inclusion Studio add?
Inclusion Studio is pre-pilot and in development, and is for FE and apprenticeship providers first. A school edition is a later phase after separate validation. The learner voice feature is built to capture a learner’s view in their own words, which can feed a summary like this. This template is guidance, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Who writes the transition summary?
Ideally the learner, with help from someone they trust such as a tutor, SENCO or key worker. The learner decides what goes in and who receives it.
Should the summary include a diagnosis?
Only if the learner chooses to include it. The summary should focus on what helps, which is what a new provider can act on.
How is this different from an EHCP?
An EHCP is a statutory plan with its own process. A transition summary is a short, practical document for sharing what helps. It does not replace an EHCP or any statutory transfer of information.
When should it be shared?
Early enough for the new provider to prepare, often before enrolment or induction, but only after the learner has agreed what to share and with whom.
Sources and further reading
- SEND Code of Practice 0 to 25 years (GOV.UK)
- Equality Act 2010, section 20 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Data minimisation (ICO)
Official guidance changes. Check the source before relying on any detail, and take professional advice for individual cases.
Help shape the pilot
We are working with a small number of England FE colleges and apprenticeship providers first. Tell us about your learner support and we will be in touch.