Transition workbook:
Address differences between settings with a step-by-step approach. You can ask your existing setting to provide this.
Phased transition:Is it possible for your child to have additional visits? This can help to become familiar with the new school by finding their way around, noticing new sounds and smells and asking questions? Ask your new SENCO or ask your existing teacher for advice.
Meeting key members of staff:
This can be useful for both Children and Parents/Carers in becoming familiar with a point of contact within the school.
Photos of the new school and key staff:
Ask your new SENCO at the new school for photos of key members of staff that will be working with your child and of the new building, including a map of the school if there is one. You can also look for additional information about the new setting, for example the school’s website and social media, and share this with your child.
Lockers:
Speak to the new SENCO about whether having a locker at school may help your child to organise their equipment. A locker may be a good place to keep spare stationery.
School day planner:
You can create a visual overview of what your child can expect.
Timetable:
Ask your new school for a sample Year 7 timetable or if the school have a school app which loads timetables or homework. Start looking at this in the summer break if it is available.
A buddy system:
Ask your new SENCO if there is a buddy system that your child could have for at least the first two terms.
Gain the views of your child:
Talk to your child. Ask them if anything is worrying them and see what you can do to help.
Share a one-page profile:
Ask your existing SENCO to share your child’s up to date one-page plan with all staff that will be working with them.
Communication:
Find out the best way to communicate with staff at the school – for example, having a named contact, and whether it is best to communicate via phone or email.
Reasonable Adjustments:
Consider anything that the school may be able to do to help your child access the full curriculum and reduce anxiety. Here are some strategies that you could consider:
- If your child struggles to change quickly for PE, perhaps they could wear a clip-on tie, or wear adapted PE equipment.
- If your child is anxious taking tests in the classroom, perhaps they could take the test in a small group in a different room.
- If your child may be easily distracted in class, discuss potential seating options
- If your child has dyspraxia, pencil grips, adapted rulers and protractors etc. may help.
- If your child struggles with homework, ask whether there are options to complete homework at school either in a homework club, or during the school day.
- If your child may feel overwhelmed in class, or if they struggle knowing when they need to go to the toilet, consider a time out or toilet card so that they can easily leave the classroom.
- If your child finds it difficult to write notes during a class, see if handouts could be provided to capture the key points.
- Ask if there is a quiet place your child can go to at break and lunch times, such as the school library or SEND department.