Start early
Change is hard for many children with SEND. Begin talking about the new year a few weeks ahead.
Ask the school for
- A visit to the new classroom before term
- Photos of new teachers and spaces
- A meeting with the SENCO and new class teacher
- A one-page profile shared with all staff who teach your child
Write a one-page profile
Include what your child is good at, what they find hard, what helps, and what to avoid. Teachers read one page. They rarely read twenty.
Check the support is still there
Make sure any support in an EHC plan or SEN Support plan continues from day one. If it doesn't, raise it in writing in the first week.
Look after yourself too
Transitions are tiring for parents as well. You are not alone.