Transitions refers to your child starting at a new school setting, whether that is them starting primary or secondary school or moving to a new school.
Your child’s school website should contain all the specific information you need to start school, including the uniform list, start times and first day back. If you can’t find this information, get in touch with the school directly to ask.
If you are worried about your child’s transition, reach out to the school for more support:
- Primary school: for example it may be helpful to speak to your child’s teacher, or special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) if your child has special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)
- Secondary school: for example it may be helpful to speak to your child’s tutor, Head of Year or SENCO if your child has SEND.
School staff will be prepared for new children, and will have arrangements in place. They will also want to get to know you and help in any way that they are able.
If your child has additional needs, our Enhanced Transition Framework gives clear guidance to schools and parents about how transitions are managed.
Starting primary school
BBC Bitesize has lots of resources to help you and your child prepare for primary school.
Children’s mental health charity Place2Be also has top tips that can help when you’re getting your child ready for primary school.
Starting secondary school
Mental health charity Anna Freud has a guide for parents about how to support children and young people’s transition to secondary school.
Young Minds have also shared ten ways parents can help children cope with change.