Transition information for professionals

This page brings together practical resources, ideas and key contacts to support effective transitions at every stage. You'll also find dedicated transition guides and tools for specific points of transition: early years to primary, primary to secondary and secondary to post 16.

The Graduated Approach to transition

The Graduated Approach to Transition (PDF, 1MB), aligned with Cheshire East's Toolkit for inclusion, outlines three stages of support to guide transitions across early years, primary, secondary, and post‑16 settings. The universal section outlines what all children/young people should receive when it comes to transition support. Enhanced and personalised transitions should be identified through early planning, to offer the correct level of support for individual children/young people who may have certain vulnerabilities or have additional/significant needs.

Resources for all phases

• Transition setting evaluation audit (PDF, 1.1MB): A practical audit tool to help settings review and reflect on their current transition arrangements. The guidance has been co‑produced with a range of stakeholders and supports planning across universal, enhanced, and personalised transitions.
• School snapshot: A clear and accessible overview of what your setting offers, designed to support families and other professionals with decision‑making. To complete a snapshot, select the School Snapshot link above and submit your information. The Transition Team will process this and return the completed document for you to share on your website and with others as appropriate. A completed example is available in the school snapshot document (PDF, 222KB).
• Transition plans: (available under each phase below) Co‑produced forms that support consistent information sharing between settings. They are recommended for children and young people with additional needs or vulnerabilities who may find transition challenging. Using a shared format helps strengthen communication, reduce duplication, and ensure key support needs are identified.
• Transition guides: (available under each phase below) Co-produced guidance to support a consistent, graduated approach to transition. Linked to the Graduated Approach (PDF, 1MB), the guides provide practical examples of universal, enhanced and personalised support needs, alongside useful resources and links in the appendices. 

Early years to primary

• Moving Up - Supporting transition with The Solihull Approach (PDF, 351KB)
• Supporting a child's transition to reception (PDF, 220KB)
• Early years transition plan (PDF, 347KB)
• Early years transition guide (PDF, 2.2MB)

Primary to secondary

• Moving Up - Supporting transition with The Solihull Approach (PDF, 351KB)
• Primary to secondary transition plan (PDF, 1MB)
• Primary to secondary transition Guide (PDF, 1MB)

Secondary to post 16

• Secondary to post 16 transition plan (PDF, 154KB)
• Secondary to post 16 transition guide (PDF, 1MB)

Feedback

We welcome your feedback as we continue to develop and improve our transition resources, ensuring they remain informative and meaningful. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us: Transitions@cheshireeast.gov.uk