Smooth Sailing: Year 7 SEND Transition tips

As the new school year begins, many Year 7 students with SEND are taking their first steps into secondary education. Building on our previous blog about summer transition preparations, this post offers practical advice for children, teachers, and parents to help navigate this crucial first week successfully.

For Students: Embracing Your New Adventure

1. Use your visual aids: Remember those summer preparation packs? Keep your visual timetable and school map handy. They're your trusty guides for this new journey.
2. Find your safe spaces: Locate the quiet areas we identified on your 'sensory map'. These are your go-to spots if things get overwhelming.
3. Connect with your buddy: If you've been assigned a 'buddy', don't hesitate to ask them questions. They're there to help you settle in.
4. Use your transition book: Feeling anxious? Take a moment to look through your transition book. Seeing familiar faces and places can be comforting.
5. Celebrate small wins: Made it to a class on time? Remembered all your books? These are achievements worth celebrating!

For Teachers: Fostering a Supportive Environment

1. Implement visual supports: ensure the agreed-upon visual aids (timetables, emotion cards) are prominently displayed in your classroom.
2. Conduct regular check-ins: make time for brief, individual check-ins with your SEND students. A quick "How are you finding things?" can make a world of difference.
3. Be flexible with routines: while structure is important, be prepared to adjust routines if you notice a student struggling.
4. Reinforce the buddy system: encourage and praise the 'buddies' of SEND students for their support role.
5. Create a 'quiet corner': designate a low-stimulation area in your classroom where students can take a breather if needed.

For Parents: Supporting from Home

1. Establish a decompression routine: Create an after-school routine that allows your child to unwind. This could involve a favourite snack, some quiet time, or a calming activity.
2. Use the communication channels: Remember those channels set up over the summer? Don't hesitate to use them if you have concerns.
3. Review the day positively: Each evening, encourage your child to share one positive thing about their day, no matter how small.
4. Maintain the visual schedule: Continue using the visual timetable at home to help your child prepare for each day.
5. Be patient with information overload: Your child might not remember everything about their day. Use gentle prompts rather than direct questions.

Collaborative Approach: Bringing It All Together

The key to a successful transition lies in open communication between students, teachers, and parents. Here are some strategies to enhance collaboration:

1. Weekly Feedback Loop: Teachers, consider sending a brief weekly update to parents about their child's progress and any areas that need attention.
2. Encourage Self-Advocacy: Support students in expressing their needs to teachers. This could be through a discreet signal or a communication card.
3. Adapt and Refine: Be prepared to adjust strategies based on feedback from all parties. What works on paper may need tweaking in practice.
4. Celebrate Collective Successes: Acknowledge the efforts of students, teachers, and parents in making this transition work. A little recognition goes a long way!
5. Plan for Ongoing Support: Remember, transition isn't just about the first week. Start thinking about how to maintain this support throughout the term.

Looking Ahead

Remember, it's important to remember that every child's journey is unique. What works for one may not work for another, and that's okay. The goal is to create a supportive, understanding environment where every student feels valued and capable of success