SEND Transitions: Last-Minute Tips for September Success

With July underway, many of us have already put our transition plans into motion for our SEND students. However, there's still time to fine-tune our approach and ensure we're fully prepared for the new school year. This blog post offers practical, last-minute strategies to help SEND children navigate the upcoming transition successfully, whether they're moving to a new class or a new school entirely.

Reviewing and Reinforcing:
Take some time to review the transition work you've already done. Have your SEND students had the chance to visit their new classrooms or schools? If not, see if you can arrange a quiet visit before the summer holidays. For those who have visited, consider creating a photo book or visual guide of the new environment that they can look at over the summer to reinforce their familiarity.

Summer Preparation Packs:
Create personalised summer preparation packs for your SEND students. These could include:

• A visual timetable of a typical day in their new class/school
• Photos and names of key staff members
• A map of the school with important locations highlighted
• A list of any new rules or expectations
• A calendar marking the first day back and any other important dates

Try and encourage families to review these materials regularly over the summer to maintain familiarity and help reduce anxiety.

Collaborative Planning:
If you haven't already, schedule a meeting with the child's new teacher or SENCO before the end of term. Use this time to share crucial information about the child's needs, successful strategies, and any concerns. Discuss how you can work together to ensure a smooth transition in September.

Sensory Considerations:
For children with sensory sensitivities, the new environment can be overwhelming. Prepare a 'sensory map' of the new classroom or school, highlighting potential challenges (noisy areas, bright lights, etc.) and identifying quiet spaces where the child can go if they feel overwhelmed.

Social Stories and Transition Books:
There's still time to create or update social stories about the upcoming changes. Focus on addressing any specific anxieties the child has expressed. Consider making a 'transition book' that the child can read over the summer, featuring photos of their new classroom, teachers, and any new routines they'll encounter.

Skill-Building Activities:
Provide families with ideas for activities they can do over the summer to build skills that will be useful in the new setting. This might include practising organisation skills, like packing a school bag, or working on social skills through role-play of common school scenarios.

Communication Channels:
Set up communication channels for parents to use if they have concerns over the summer or in the first few weeks of term. This could be a dedicated email address or scheduled check-in calls. Knowing they have this support can be reassuring for both children and parents.

September Strategies:
Plan for extra support in the first few weeks of term. This might include:

• A phased return to school if necessary
• A 'buddy' system pairing SEND students with supportive peers
• Regular check-ins with the student to address any issues quickly
• Visual supports in the new classroom, like a visual timetable or emotion cards

Celebrating Success:
Plan ways to acknowledge and celebrate successful transitions. This could be as simple as a special certificate after the first week, or a small reward for mastering a new routine. Recognising these achievements can boost confidence and motivation.

Looking Ahead:
While much of our transition planning may already be in place, these last-minute strategies can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth start to the new school year for our SEND students. Remember, flexibility is key – be prepared to adjust your approach based on individual needs as the new term unfolds. By focusing on communication, familiarity, and individualised support, we can help our SEND students feel confident and prepared for the changes ahead.