Transitions
Transitions
Guidelines to support school transitions
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has developed guidelines to support parents of children with special educational needs during important school transitions. These guidelines are designed to help you guide your child through changes in their education journey—whether they’re starting school, moving to a new school setting, or preparing for life after school.
Guidelines on Starting Primary School
Transitions
Starting Primary School
The NCSE’s Starting Primary School booklet provide practical guidance for parents and guardians of children with special educational needs as they prepare for their child’s transition into primary school. It outlines key steps including gathering information, enrolling in a school, planning with the school, and preparing for change, while offering advice, resources, and contacts to support a smooth and inclusive start to school life.
See also the Preparing Young Children for Primary School booklet which is a practical guide created by therapists to help parents, early learning practitioners, and teachers support young children in preparing for a smooth transition from preschool to primary school.
Transitions
Preparing Young Children for Primary School
Watch the NCSE’s Starting Primary School video which will assist parents and guardians in planning and preparing for the transition into Primary School.
Guidelines on Moving from Primary to Post Primary School
Transitions
Moving from Primary to Post-Primary School
The NCSE’s Moving from Primary to Post-Primary School booklet provides guidance for parents and guardians of students with special educational needs as they transition from primary to post-primary school. It outlines practical steps, supports, and resources to help ensure a smooth and successful move for both students and their families.
Transitions
Transitioning to Post – Primary: Information Video for Parents
The NCSE has created a video guide for parents and guardians that will help guide them through the process of transitioning their child from Primary to Post-Primary school.
Transitions
Supporting your child to transition to Post-Primary school
The NCSE has created a video guide for parents and guardians to help them support their child with transitioning from Primary to Post-Primary school.
Moving between Mainstream and Special Settings
Transitions
Changing Schools: Moving between special and mainstream settings
This booklet provides practical guidelines for parents and guardians supporting children with special educational needs transitioning between mainstream and special school settings. It outlines key steps in the process, including decision-making, enrolment, planning with schools, and preparing the child for change.
Planning for life after School
Transitions
Planning for life after School
This NCSE booklet provides guidance for students with special educational needs and their families as they prepare for life after post-primary school. It outlines pathways into further education, employment, or adult services, with practical advice and contacts to support successful transitions.