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During their time in education children will move school, it might be from first to middle, primary to high or middle to high school. This change from being in one school to another, is known as transition. Transitions can also happen within school, as pupils move classes or move from one room to another (particularly when they are in middle or high school, where subjects are taught in specific classrooms).

Some SEND children can find change particularly difficult, and key factors to help them are your support and good preparation. Preparing for a successful transition should involve everyone, it’s crucial that important information is shared, and in plenty of time. It’s important to talk to your child’s present and new school and be involved with the plans they are making. Everyone involved should meet to plan the transition and make sure your child and you are prepared for any changes.

For autistic learners and others with enhanced transition needs, the Autism and Complex Communication Team have developed a range of downloadable (and editable) resources to support transition between settings (Early Years to Primary, Primary to High etc.) and within settings.

These resources, though designed to help the settings, can be used at home to help support your children during transition and they can be adapted to suit and help to make transition more planned and successful.

The resources include Pupil passports, Sensory profiles, School information booklets, Calming strategies etc.

You can find them halfway down the webpage, under the Resource: School Transition section.

• Communication and interaction

The Special Educational Needs & Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) also have information on their website about transition: SENDIASS guidance for tips for transitions.

Indeed, the internet is a useful research tool, which can aid you to find tips and strategies to help you help your child or young person at this time. We’ve included some links below.

These links are aimed to help and support parents: