Abstract:
The European funded FIESTA project (FIESTA -5177848-LLP-1-2011-1-IE-COMENIUS –CNW) focuses on
achieving effective transition through collaborative working for children with special needs. The project addresses the
lack of cohesion between education, health and social services during periods of transition by promoting a holistic
inclusive approach. Stakeholders (schools, families, policy makers, health care organizations etc) have the opportunity
to collaborate in order to meet the individual needs of pupils with special needs during transition. The project outcomes
include transferable tools such as the self-assessment tool, transition starter kit, 3 training modules which can be used
for pupils with special needs but also for other pupils who might be vulnerable due to temporary causes. The article
presents the project training modules, which focus on raising stakeholders’ awareness about disability, give
mentoring/learning support and suggest ways of inclusion collaborative working. They draw on hands-on experiences
of children with SEN and integrate the voices of children, parents and teachers. The training programme enables
professionals, pupils and parents to outline and explore the common issues, knowledge areas and skill requirements that
are demanded of those working with pupils across different contexts. It involves frequent collaborative interactions
between experienced, effective teachers and new teachers/parents to address the challenges that new teachers/parents
encounter. The materials offer those interested everything necessary for reflecting on concepts and practices across
countries and cultures, and encouraging participants to find ways which schools might bring down the barriers.
