Enabling SEN children's effective transition through the FIESTA programme

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.