Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) often find change difficult. As part of transition, schools, educational settings and families must work together to create a plan for your child. The plan should be in place to help with any specific needs, strengths, interests and potential anxieties and learning styles.

The move should be part of a process, rather than a one off event, allowing your child to feel confident and happy when the time comes.

When your child starts a new school, it is important that current school staff discuss their needs with both you and their new school and with the involvement of your child. If your child has an education, health and care plan (EHCP) this may be done as part of an annual review.

Arrange for your child to visit their new school as often as they need before they start. It is likely that additional visits will automatically be arranged as part of the transition planning.

If you have any concerns about your child’s progress when they have started school, you should arrange to meet their teacher, Head of Year or the school Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator.

You may also want to look at How Parents Can Help With Secondary School Transition | YoungMinds and this Ten Ways for parents to help children cope with change poster from Young Minds