Back to school
Whether your child is starting at secondary school or just moving up a year, a new school term can be a real challenge. With September just around the corner, these top tips are designed to make the transition a little smoother...
Acknowledge their fears
The worst thing to say to a child who’s anxious about school is, 'Don’t worry about it’. Even if they’re not changing schools, but just moving up a year, there may be a lot of anxiety around changes, such as new classrooms and different teachers. It's important to acknowledge your child's anxiety, rather than dismiss it.
Prepare your child
Talk to your child gradually about school, just a bit at a time, when they’re relaxed and receptive. Answer their concerns practically and positively.
Involve them
Involve your child in the process of getting ready for the new school year – write a list together of all the things they will need, take them shopping for new equipment, practice the journey to school etc.
First day friends
If any of your child’s friends are starting at the same school, you may want to encourage your child to travel in with them on their first day.
Get packing
Encourgage your child to make a list of all the things they need to pack for school, and pack their own bag. Give them plenty of praise.
Prepare yourself
Make sure your own anxieties about a new school or the changes ahead don't rub off on your child. Try and keep all your messages about school and the year ahead upbeat and positive.
Prepare the school
Put together information about your child that you think the school will find useful, including any specialist equipment or learning aids they will need. List your child's strengths, but also the challenges, such as how he/she reacts when angry/anxious/sad etc, and tips on how to deal with that. List the best ways to motivate your child and promote their emotional well-being.
Experience Books
Experience Books are useful for sharing information with teachers about your child. Experience Books
Snap it
Photo albums are fantastic for sharing photos and comments with school, especially at the start of a new term. My son's teacher would take photos during the week, add them to the slot-in pages and record a message about what my son had been up to in the week. Then we return it the following week with our news from the weekend.
Get organised
Children with SEN often have trouble organising their time and prioritising, so it’s worth having a large family wall calendar up, on which you can mark the whole family’s events.
Map it out
If your child is moving to a new school, ask for a map of the building or look for one on the school website. Locate the different classrooms, canteen, toilets etc on the map with your child, so they know where everything is in advance.
School rules
Make sure you have a list of school rules, and run through them with your child so they know what they can and can’t do.
There's an app for that!
There are plenty of apps that can help with planning and getting organisied, for example there are timetables you can practise with or lists that can help plan what to put in your school bag. One to try is: 4KidCal
FPLD resources
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (FPLD) has produced new resources to help support pupils in their transition from primary to secondary school in England, including a useful easy-read guide for pupils. FPLD Resources
Buddy system
If your child is starting a new school, find out if there is a buddy or peer support system in place to support new pupils.
Safe place
Ask the school if there is a 'safe place' your child can go if they feel worried or if there is a particular member of staff who they can talk to.
School transport
If school transport is provided, make sure the transport department is made aware of any special needs your child has, so they can pass these on to the carers who travel with them. Don't assume the school will automatically pass this information on.
Wake up call
Start waking your child up earlier in the last week of the school holidays so it doesn't come as a shock when they start school.
Rehearse emergencies
Run through with your child what to do in case of emergencies, whether that's going to a safe place like the library, talking to a member of staff, or phoning home. Make sure they have money or credit on their mobile phone for such situations.
