Transition Event for SEND Families

On 26 January, Haringey Sixth Form College hosted a well-attended Transition Information Event designed to support parents and carers of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The session took place in the college lecture theatre from 3.30pm to 4.30pm and focused on the crucial next steps available once young people leave the college.

All Learning for Life (SEND) families were invited, along with selected parents and carers from across the wider college community.

The event brought together a range of expert speakers, including representatives from SEN Haringey, Haringey Social Care, and parental advocacy charities, who provided clear and accessible guidance about transition pathways, legal rights, and support networks.

Key College Staff Supporting Transitions

During the event, families were also introduced to the specialist staff involved in transition planning at our College:

• Paula Smith – Careers Advisor
• Natalie Dockeray – HLTA for Transition
• Ada Gokay – SENCO
• Louise McLaughlin – Director of Inclusion
• Simon Tracey – Curriculum and Learning Manager

This helped families understand who supports each stage of the process and how to seek further guidance.

Pathways After Haringey Sixth Form College

Speakers covered the main post‑16 and post‑18 transitions available to students, using examples from the presentation.

Option 1: Further Education at Another College

Some learners may move to local specialist providers such as:

• Barnet and Southgate College
• Capital City College Group

These settings offer Supported Learning and Learning for Life–style pathways similar to HSFC’s provision.

Option 2: Supported Internships

Professionals explained that supported internships are ideal for young people preparing for paid employment. Key points included:

• Students must be independent travellers.
• Programmes take place in real work environments.
• EHCPs typically cease the year after the internship, unless further education is planned.
• PRE‑supported internships offer an extra year of preparation for learners needing more travel or independence training.

Option 3: Adult Social Care Support

Social Care speakers outlined:

• How Care Act Assessments begin
• Eligibility for adult support from age 18
• How support needs are planned and funded
• How direct payments and personal budgets work
• How mental capacity is assessed from age 16
• The importance of best‑interest decision‑making

This was especially valuable for families whose child may require long-term support.

Understanding When an EHCP May Cease

SENDIASS guided the legalities surrounding Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), including:

• EHCPs can be ceased following an annual review, depending on progress and future goals.
• Local authorities must consult both the family and the college before making this decision.
• Families receive two formal letters and have two months to appeal.
• An EHCP remains in place during the appeal or mediation period.

This clarity helped parents feel more informed about their rights and responsibilities.

“Preparing for Adulthood” Guidance

Families were introduced to Haringey’s Preparing for Adulthood pathway, outlining how children’s services transition into adult services and what assessments should take place at ages 17–18.

Professionals encouraged families to stay actively involved in annual reviews and to seek support early if they have concerns.

Family Feedback

Early responses from attendees were very positive.

Jo, Victors dad said;
“This session really helped me understand my child’s options. I now know who to contact and what steps to expect.”

  

Why This Matters

This event strongly demonstrated the college’s commitment to:

• High‑quality SEND provision
• Effective partnerships with local authorities and charities
• Strong parental engagement
• Clear preparation for adulthood pathways
• Supporting all learners with ambition and dignity
• Meeting statutory responsibilities around transition planning

Continued Support

Families who need additional advice were reminded that they can contact:

SENDIASS Haringey
020 8802 2611
sendiass@markfield.org.uk

SEND Power in Haringey
hello@sendpowerinharingey.org
Chestnuts Community Centre, N15 5BN

The college will continue to work closely with students, parents, and professionals to ensure every young person is supported to transition successfully into adulthood.