Transfer Programmes are a key intervention in the School Completion Programme. The transition from primary to post-primary education has been noted as a critical educational step for many children (Smyth, McCoy & Darmody, 2004). The transfer programme assists in the transition from Primary to Post Primary, and provides information on the new system and structures, which the young person will encounter in Post Primary. It prepares the child by encouraging them to identify strategies, which will assist them in overcoming the difficulties that may arise. It may also provide a forum to the young person transferring and their parents/guardians to express any fears they may have during this process of change. Students are identified prior to their commencement in Thomond Community College and we can begin working with them from the day they start and provide a mentoring element to the programme. We can identify the children that need additional support with transfer and monitor those children in order to prevent early school dropout whilst also monitoring their attendance and participation when they start in Thomond Community College.

MAIN AIMS OF THE TRANSFER PROGRAMME

• Smoothen the transfer process from primary to post-primary level for young people.
• Reassures young people that they have the support of teachers and parents.
• Provides contact and familiarity with SCP staff before second level.
• Facilitates peer friendships.
• Improves self-confidence on entering Secondary school.
• Provides a system for quick follow-up if young person fails to transfer.
• Improves integration of targeted children.