Creating an easier transition to the new school term

The school summer holidays are almost over, and many children will soon move from slower summer days back into routines and classrooms. But that change can take time to adjust to.

With a few weeks still to go, now is a good time to start preparing your child or young person for the return to school. Small changes now can make the first day feel less difficult for everyone.

Chalkboard with HELLO SCHOOL written on it

Schedules

Over the next few weeks, gently introduce the idea of returning to school. You could use a daily countdown on a calendar and spend a few minutes talking about the things they will do and the friends they will see.

If you have been able to keep your child on a similar schedule, you are already off to a good start. If not, begin by moving wake-up times and bedtimes by 15 minutes every few days to slowly help them get back on track.

You can also gradually move meals and snack times to match the school day, so their body is prepared and any dysregulation around food is minimised.

Practical issues

Once they have their new school uniform, encourage them to wear it at home for short periods so any sensory issues can be identified and managed. Don’t forget to include PE kits, new shoes and gym shoes, as breaking them in slowly can help them feel more comfortable when they are worn at school.

Practice school runs. Whether you need to walk or go in the car, practice the route together so they know what to expect. Take note of things like building works, houses with barking dogs or anything you think might cause difficulty. This way you can prepare your child and find solutions.

If your child has equipment, tell the school about it and how it’s used in the run up to the start of term.

This also applies to any medication. A new school year will need an update about any conditions, or confirmation that nothing has changed. If you are required to keep medication at the school, hand over on the first day with instructions for use.

Let the school know if anything important has changed during the summer holiday that may affect their time in school, either physically or emotionally.

Help from school

Ask the school if you and your child can visit the week before school starts, if staff are on site, so they can become familiar with a new classroom. Or ask them about a soft start once the term begins as a way to help ease any worries your child has.

Photos of key staff they will see and classrooms they will be in can also help, as well as a detailed timetable so you can tell them what their days will look like.

Other ideas to help manage the transition back to school:

Create a visual timetable for the morning and after-school routines for when they go back to school.
Arrange a meetup with school friends so they can get used to each other again before the term starts.

The first weeks once your child or young person is back at school

Keep your expectations realistic. School will be very tiring when they first go back which could lead to extra health issues, issues with equipment or make meltdowns more likely.

Allow extra time in the mornings for the first few weeks to make things a little less stressful. Even five minutes for an extra cuddle can make the day seem a bit easier.

Create a calm space after school so they can have some quiet time without expectations.

Arrange a meeting with the school SENCO if things have changed with your child’s diagnosis or you have a particular worry.