SEND Transition: The Challenge of Change

The last term of the school year - not long until the summer break. Or maybe you are thinking there is still a third left to go. However you feel about the next term, one thing is certain - it will be as busy as ever and there will be lots of talk about change.

For some students, this will be the change from one school to the next - primary to secondary, lower to middle, middle to upper, Y11 to sixth form or college etc. For many, this is a time of excitement (and a little bit of nervousness too). There will be new opportunities, freedoms and lots to look forward to. New friends to be made and different lessons all sound like lots of fun.

This is all true but for some students, change is incredibly hard. You may automatically think of students who have autism but it can also be true of students with ADHD, dyslexia, SEMH needs, mobility issues and cognitive difficulties. There will also be neurotypical students i.e. without SEND who are also struggling and there is a very good reason for this.

As human beings, we have a need for psychological and emotional safety. Often we get this through sameness as this means we can predict what will happen fairly reliably. This means we do not have to worry about what “might be”. This is often particularly pronounced for those with SEND where the world presents additional challenges. This means they will benefit from additional support around transition.

Many schools now offer additional link visits and time with their new teachers. This is helpful however I feel there is much more that can be done! Firstly we need to remember that transition is not just moving from one school to another and secondly, it affects everyone - parents and staff as well the students.

It is vital that we plan for the needs of everyone in a holistic manner to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible for EVERYONE.

Join me for a special webinar on Wednesday 30th April (4-5pm) to find out more with some tried and tested, practical ideas that you can take away and use.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/indigoowlcoachingandconsultancyltd

Everything in the session is based on 20+ years in education in both mainstream and specialist settings as well as being informed by the psychology and neuroscience of behaviour. CPD certificates are also available for all attendees.