Chailey Heritage School

Planning for Life Beyond School

It is a fact that the time when a young person is preparing to leave school and make the transition in to adulthood can be challenging, not only for the pupil but also for their parents, carers and families.

At Chailey Heritage School, a Future Placement Planning process, coordinated by an Assistant Head, is in place to support pupils and their families during this period. The process aims to provide an efficient and effective system in considering future options and identifying a future placement that will appropriately meet the pupil’s individual needs. Through a series of future placement planning meetings we ensure that the pupil and their families are fully aware of what the future options are and how to pursue their chosen option. The process provides information on which agencies should be actively involved in the various stages of the process of planning. An emphasis throughout is placed upon partnership working with all involved agencies.

We follow up the welfare of school leavers 6 months after they have left, with a questionnaire on how their new placement is working out for them. This feedback has proved invaluable in supporting and developing effective transitional planning for our pupils.

A Future Placement Conference is organised every other year, where parents and pupils are given the opportunity to meet and talk to representatives from organisations that provide services for young adults post school. This event is also supported by outside agencies, e.g. Connexions, Social Services, Health Care Services, Colleges, Residential Placements. This is also a good opportunity for families to discuss issues with each other, and parents of ex-pupils come along to join in with their discussions and to offer advice.

At 14+ years of age (when the pupil is in year 9) a Transition Plan will be started and will form part of the 14+ annual review. This Transition Plan is then reviewed annually. As pupils enter the 16+department they will have opportunities to make group visits to various potential future placements. Pupils are invited to attend their future placement meetings and are consulted throughout the transition process as appropriate to their level of communication and understanding. 

Click here to read about our Young Adults' Transition Service

"The Transition Planning/Future Placement meetings have been absolutely invaluable, providing information and a forum for discussion and advice with the various professionals and ourselves." (Parents comments)

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