The move from Year 6 in primary school to Year 7 at secondary school can be a stressful time for anyone. But it can be especially difficult for those with special educational needs (SEN), disabilities or learning difficulties.

This is because primary schools usually have the same teacher in the same classroom throughout the year. In secondary schools the larger buildings spread out over a larger area means a lot of moving around to each lesson in different classrooms with a different teacher for each subject.

Children with additional needs have to cope with support from unfamiliar teaching assistants, new travel arrangements and integrate themselves within the year group; if this is not well managed then children with SEN, disability or learning difficulties can end up feeling vulnerable and isolated, which then affects their emotional and mental health and sees their academic performance suffer.

I was asked by a mum of a lad a little while back “how do I prepare him for his new school?”

This is what I said:

• Make the transition exciting, be excited for him and be enthusiastic about the transition period.
• Remind him that it’s ok to be scared, frightened and unsure. It is how he handles these emotions which will ultimately make sure he’s prepared.
• Use all the information he has been given about his new school to support him – making copies of the school layout map and help him learn it, keeping them around the house and in his school bag, so he can visually see them. Know what the new school rules are so he knows what he can and can’t do. Ask to have a copy of his weekly timetable early, so he can get used to it. If not make a home timetable to use so he gets used to using one before September.
• Write down any questions he thinks of and find the answers (not always easy during the summer holidays, which is why transition should start early).
• Practice getting ready for school in his uniform and packing his bag, so the routine is familiar to him.
• Increase his independence by completing little things like paying for the milk at the local shop.
• Travel along the bus route to school and back again so he is so familiar with the journey, this way he won’t be concerned by travelling it. Take regular bus journeys to support travelling this way.
• Make sure he has a safe place in the school to go to if he is feeling overwhelmed or wants some space at lunchtimes.