> Transitions and Leavers

Pupils at Mill Water work within Curriculum Pathways according to their potential destinations in order to best prepare them for their future. These pathways are flexible and may change as pupils progress throughout the school, but ensure that the knowledge and skills they need to equip them for a successful future are at the core of their learning.

The majority of our pupils leave us between the end of Year 11 and Year 14. Occasionally pupils may leave us sooner if there is a more suitable provision for them elsewhere. The Mill Water team will support the family and young person through the transition process by clearly identifying when the young person is ready to move on from school, and where an appropriate setting might be.

As part of the annual review process from Year 9 onwards, we help with signposting and work closely with the careers advisor from CSW (Careers South West) and Transitions Adult Social Care (TASC) team. If the young person has a higher level of health needs, our school nurse will work with the Paediatric Liaison/Transition Nurse to ensure they are handed over from the paediatric team to an adult consultant for ongoing care.

We hold a Further Education Open Day every other year in which settings come to Mill Water to set up stands with information, and their staff are available to talk about what they offer. We also support individual families to visit settings to see the provision for themselves to ensure that they feel fully informed to make the best decision for their young person.

Once the onward placement has been confirmed by the 0-25 team or Adult Social Care, school will support the young person by arranging an individualised transition plan and work hand in hand with all agencies involved to ensure a thorough handover.

Previous Further Education destinations have included:

Possible Social Care Provisions include:

How can parent/carers support their young person’s transition from Mill Water School?

Be aware of your young person’s hobbies, interests and aspirations and so what courses might be suitable. Most of the colleges offer a transitions program designed to develop independence skills. This can often be followed by a supported internship course offering opportunities within the workplace.

Listen to other parents’ recommendations.

Visit at least two local colleges/care settings and write a pros and cons list. All of the colleges have Open Days; you can also ask for a personalised tour for your young person with a representative from their learning support department, to talk about how they cater for specific needs.

Don’t be afraid to ask for support and advice from us, CSW and other organisations such as DIAS, Mencap, IPSEA, HFT, NAS etc. The more we talk about it the less daunting it will seem.