At Abbey Park Primary School, we understand how important a smooth and supportive transition is for children starting at our Mainstream Autism Base (MAB). Once a place has been confirmed, a personalised transition plan is developed for each child to ensure they feel safe, welcomed and understood from the very beginning.

As part of this process, the MAB and Inclusion Lead will visit the child in their current setting to observe their needs in context, meet with parents or carers and liaise closely with any professionals involved in the child’s current provision. This collaborative approach ensures that we gain a full understanding of the child’s strengths, interests and support needs.

Following this, the child will be invited to visit Abbey Park Primary School with their parents or carers to explore the MAB environment and begin forming positive relationships with key staff. A gradual, individualised transition programme will then be put in place, tailored specifically to each child.

Transition support may include:

• Visual and practical transition resources, such as photo books, social stories and visual schedules
• Settling-in sessions in both the MAB and the child’s mainstream classroom
• Opportunities to meet and work with key adults and peers ahead of starting full-time
• Gradual increases in time spent on-site to help build confidence and familiarity
• Ongoing communication with parents and previous settings to ensure continuity of care

Throughout the transition, our focus remains on clear communication, sensitivity to individual needs and creating a sense of belonging for every child. Our aim is to make each child’s introduction to Abbey Park Primary School a positive and reassuring experience, laying strong foundations for future success and wellbeing.