Transition Planning: Preparing Your Child for Secondary School
The transition from primary to secondary school is significant for any child, but it can feel particularly daunting for children with special educational needs. Secondary schools are larger, more complex, and involve changing classes and teachers throughout the day. However, with careful planning and preparation, this transition can be smooth and successful.
Many schools have established transition processes for children with SEN, including extra visits and tailored support plans. Starting this planning well in advance—ideally a year before transition—gives your child time to adjust to the idea and build familiarity with the new environment.
Key Elements of Transition Planning
- School visits: Arrange additional visits beyond standard transition days. Visit the school with your child multiple times, exploring key areas like classrooms, toilets, dining areas, and the library
- Visual supports: Create a photo book or map of the school layout. This helps children with anxiety or navigation difficulties feel more confident
- Meet key staff: Introduce your child to their form tutor, SENCo, and other key staff members. Familiarity reduces anxiety
- Social stories: Create a personalised story about starting secondary school, highlighting what to expect and how things will work
- Buddy system: Many schools assign a peer buddy to help new students settle in
Planning Support for Secondary
Work with both primary and secondary schools to ensure a comprehensive handover of information about your child's needs. Attend transition meetings and contribute your knowledge about what helps your child thrive. If your child has an EHCP, ensure it's reviewed and updated before transition to reflect secondary-level provision.
Supporting Your Child at Home
Talk positively about secondary school. Acknowledge that it will be different and perhaps challenging, but emphasise that the school wants to help them succeed. Visit the school during term time if possible, so your child sees it in action. Read books or watch videos about starting secondary school together.
The summer holidays are ideal for gradually building independence skills—managing a larger lunch box, organising belongings, and practising the route to school. Small steps build confidence and prepare your child for the practical demands of secondary school life.