SJB understands the journey all parents have when deciding their child’s next school. With so many factors and pressures on parents, it is understandable that the process and pathways can become overwhelming particularly at points of transition. However, we want to reassure all parents from the outset that we are here to help. We will guide parents and provide concise and easy to understand information that will help them to make the best and most informed decisions for their child.
If a child currently has an EHCP and is in Year 4 or 5, we recommend that parents book a SEND Tour to see all about the provision at SJB. The tour, lasting for about an hour will consist of all the significant parts of the school and the Learning Support Department. At the end of the tour, parents will get the opportunity to ask any questions relating to what the school does to support all students. Our SEND Tours start at 10.15am and 11.15am – please email info@sjb.surrey.sch.uk if you would like to book onto one.
Whilst much of our work supports those students with an Educational Health & Care Plan (EHCP), we continue to provide support and expertise to those students with any additional needs throughout the school. More information about what we provide for non-EHCP students is on our Learning Support page.
Starting at SJB does not always mean day one of Year 7. Once a child’s place is confirmed, The SJB SEND team will be in touch to arrange the first visit whilst they are in Year 6. All students who need a supported transition will be offered a range of opportunities to get to know us before they start.
Yr 6 into 7 SEND Transition Morning (June)
The first morning will take place largely within the Learning Support Department a week or two before the main Year 6 into 7 Induction Day (see below). After a few introductions we will unpick the schools’ expectations on them as students. The students will then be split into a few groups and then, supported by our team of LSAs, embark on a tour of the school, several fun lesson-based activities and enjoy lunch together. This is an excellent opportunity for the children to get to know key members of the Learning Support Department and some of the other students joining SJB in September.
Yr 6 into 7 SEND Transition Afternoon (June)
The second visit will be to build on their experiences so far with the aim of increasing their independence. It is timed to fall after the main Year 6 into 7 Induction Day. They will spend the afternoon with the team, getting to know each other and the school a little better. This afternoon provides the students with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns that they have in a safe and supportive environment. They will also do several fun activities to check their knowledge and understanding of some of the key information they have been given so far. The afternoon will culminate with a short and informal talk for parents about life at SJB. This also provides an important opportunity for parents to ask any questions regarding what to expect from the school.
Induction Day (July)
Open to all new starters to the school; their first whole day at SJB. The opportunity to start making lifelong friends and getting to know many of their new teachers and support staff who will be working with them for the next few years. This is a fun-packed day anchored around time spent getting to know each other in form groups.
Learning Support Summer Camp – (August)
This opportunity enables new students to ease into their new life at SJB before the school term begins. For 2 – 4 days, support staff and teaching staff will lead on several practical activities in many of our specialist facilities on-site. Previously, we have offered activities in Food, Art, Drama and Physical Education as well as a range of other core curriculum areas.
The advantage to running these taster days at this time is that new students can begin to get comfortable with the school surroundings without the added anxiety of moving around a busy school full of students, as will be the case the following week in the first week of term. The camp will also be offered to a select number of students in Years 8 and 9, who remember the tough transfer to secondary very well, but will also offer their help and support as a buddy.