Special Education
About Us » Transition
The school has committed considerable resources to develop transition programmes for those students 14 years and older.
This programme is developed in consultation with parents and aims to prepare senior students for life beyond school.
Waitaha School belongs to the Lead School Transition Service and follows the Best Practice Guidelines outlined below:
(Established by the Wayne Francis Trust 2008)
1. Transition starts to occur no later than the age of 14 years and is part of a specific planning process that aims to develop academic potential
as well as functional transition skills.
2. The process is driven by the student/whanau and the student is actively engaged in determining/implementing their future goals.
3. Partnerships between the school and community supports are developed at least 2 years before the young person leaves school.
4. The transition programme is integrated within the structure of general education rather than as a separate and parallel programme.
5. The process identifies and overcomes barriers to the disabled student's learning and support.
6. The students/whanau are offered information and support that opens the door to a wider range of inclusive community based options.
7. A clear distinction is made between the transition needs of the young person and those of their family.
8. Functional transitional skills are in the curriculum and practised at home.
9. Those at school after 18 years old receive services in adult settings.
10. The outcomes of the transition planning process are regularly evaluated.