This research report on the experiences of young students with special educational needs (SEN), and their parents, of the move from primary to post primary school. This is an important transition for all students. Post primary schools tend to be bigger than primary schools, and students face more teachers, more formal and subject focused learning and a more regulated environment. The changes encountered are common to all students. However there are also specific implications for students with SEN,including changes in the organisation of SEN resources and supports, and the need for coordination across schools and other services to ensure a continuum of support to address individual special needs.

This report is particularly welcome as it provides important insights into how students, and their parents, experience this transition, and lessons from their experiences highlight what works well and what might be improved.

The NCSE believes that transition planning is particularly important for pupils with SEN moving from one level of education to the next, whether from early education to primary, primary to post primary or post school to training, work or college. The need for such planning is supported by the stories of parents and students in this research.

Drawing on this research and other work on the topic, the NCSE intends to develop evidence based guidance on transition planning in relation to children and young people with special educational needs over the next year. In addition, this research report will be of great interest to teachers, parents, students and policy makers.