Introduction

Moving from primary to secondary school can be a big change for your child, especially if they have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It can feel overwhelming because of:

• New routines that they need to get used to.
• A bigger school with more pupils and teachers.
• Different expectations for their learning and behaviour.

Giving the right support can help your child settle in and feel confident.

Moving Up!

This video, created by the Anna Freud charity, helps Year 6 and Year 7 students feel more prepared for moving to secondary school.

It explores the anxious thoughts your child might have about starting at a new school and shows how the children in the animation gain confidence.

Help your child get ready for change

There are lots of things you can do with your child or young person to help them prepare for the changes ahead. Here are our top tips:

• Start early

  Begin talking about the changes as soon as possible to give your child time to adjust.

• Talk openly and positively

  Think about how to explain the changes to your child. Encourage a positive mindset and explain what will happen. Make sure they have a way to express any worries or ask questions.

• Visit and explore the new setting

  Arrange one or more visits to the new setting so your child can get familiar with the environment. You could also look at the information provided by the new school or setting, and explore their website together.

• Focus on friendships

  Find out which friends will be moving with your child, and arrange meet-ups during the holidays to help them feel more comfortable.

• Practice new routines

  Help your child get used to the new routine by practising the school journey, trying on the uniform, and packing their school bag.

• Use visual tools

  Try visual countdowns or calendars to help your child know when the change is coming.

• Get support from others

  If you know other parents with children at the new setting, ask them to share their experiences with your child. Find out if there are any parent groups that could offer support.

• Stay in touch with the school

  The more the new school knows about you and your child, the better they can help with the transition. Good communication with teachers and staff will make things easier and help your child have the tools they need to thrive in their new school.

Transition guide

We're working on an information guide for parents, carers and education professionals on the topic of transitioning into, and between, secondary school.

If you'd like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you. To register your interest, you can:

Find more opportunities to get involved with local offer.