Using SixIntoSeven to streamline transitions and strengthen SEND support with improved efficiency and GDPR Compliance

THE CHALLENGE HOUNSLOW EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP FACED

Back in 2020, Hounslow Education Partnership (HEP) faced a growing challenge: how to share pupil data for transition in a way that was GDPR- compliant, consistent, and easy for schools to manage.

The old system involved spreadsheets, emails, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings, none of which met modern data protection requirements. Then the pandemic hit, making in-person meetings impossible and highlighting the urgent need for a digital solution.

THE SOLUTION

A platform that fits local needs

When HEP began working with SixIntoSeven, continuity was key. Schools were used to their old spreadsheet system, so the Pupil Pathways team replicated the same data fields inside SixIntoSeven, making it easy for schools to adopt the new system.

At first, the platform was used mainly to share academic attainment data between primary and secondary schools. But it quickly became clear that the system’s flexibility offered much wider potential – especially for improving support for SEND and vulnerable pupils.

HEP’s priority became clear: find a way to support schools in delivering smooth transitions, particularly for pupils who had already experienced major disruption.

We’ve learned over the years, the earlier we talk about transition the better, because we can highlight transition needs to all the different users. – Cormac Bourne, Director of HEP

HEP Partnerships Director Cormac Bourne remembered hearing about SixIntoSeven at an ASCL conference and reached out to Pupil Pathways to explore whether it could help. That was the start of a strong ongoing partnership.

SUPPORTING SEND PUPILS THROUGH TRANSITION

After a year of using the platform, SENDCOs across Hounslow fed back that they wanted to take the system further. Previously they had struggled with inconsistent formats, which made sharing the right information for SEND pupils complex and time-consuming.

Working together with HEP’s SENDCOs, transition leads, and headteacher groups, the SixIntoSeven team helped develop a new standard SEND data format within the platform. This has now been adopted by other Local Authorities too.

The result? Less time spent collecting data and more time focusing on what really matters: planning personalised support for each pupil.

HEP’s story shows the power of collaboration and adaptability. By addressing transition challenges head-on and building a flexible, future-proofed process, HEP is leading the way in ensuring no pupil is left behind.

LOOKING AHEAD

Looking ahead, HEP is focusing on:

Strengthening collaboration with neighbouring boroughs
A priority as around 40% of pupils move into or out of Hounslow each year. The free SixIntoSeven Lite service is helping here, especially for tracking SEND and vulnerable pupils.

Extending SixIntoSeven to early years transitions:
The platform is now being piloted for nursery- to-primary transitions, again focusing on SEND and vulnerable pupils, so schools can put the right support in place earlier.

In 2024, HEP took this a step further by introducing an earlier transition deadline for SEND and vulnerable pupils. Secondary schools now receive this vital information in March, rather than June, giving them more time to plan support ahead of September. Plans are already in place to bring this deadline forward even further in 2025, made simple by SixIntoSeven’s flexible platform features.

AN ONGOING PARTNERSHIP

Cormac highlights the excellent support from Pupil Pathways and the adaptability of the SixIntoSeven platform as key to the project’s success.

HEP also invests in training and communication to help new school staff use the platform confidently. They’re creating resources such as user personas to show how different roles, from DSLs to data managers, can get the most from it.

For HEP, GDPR-compliance and streamlined processes remain at the heart of why SixIntoSeven works so well.