Moving from primary to secondary school

It can be exciting and worrying when your child moves from primary to secondary school. For tips on preparing for the new school year, we spoke to SENCOs, teachers, and other parents.

Your choice of school is up to you, but it's always best to research. The best person to know what your child needs and wants is you.

We recommend you:

  • visit the school website
  • attend an open day or evening
  • talk to other parents on social media forums
  • ask your child's SENCO. Find out how other special needs children are supported at the school(s) you're considering.

Learn more about the application process and discover what else you may need to apply for.

Talking about their emotions

  • Speak positively about the move. Discuss what will be the same and what will be different.
  • Encourage your child to share any worries they have about the move. This way, you can address them as soon as possible.
  • Look out for any change of emotions including:
    • lowered self-esteem
    • increased anxiety, sadness or irritability
    • acting out or being short-tempered
    • physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches
    • being unable to fall or stay asleep
    • experiencing muscle tension
    • reduced motivation in carrying out usual activities.
  • Keep in touch over the summer with any children you know who will be in your child's class. If you can, arrange a couple of playdates. This will build up friendships for the new term.
  • Talk about problem-solving, for example, what to do if we are hurt, worried or unhappy. Let your child know to never be afraid to ask for help. Tell an adult if something has happened that made you unhappy.
  • Practice saying goodbye and being away from you.

For mental health support visit the NHS mental wellbeing information hub.

Getting familiar with the school

  • Ask for a map of the school so you know where the rooms are.
  • Visit the school's website to learn more about it.
  • Get to know the new school by attending events, like a summer fayre.
  • Meet your child's new teacher and/or SENCO before September. Creating a new relationship and recognising the environment helps.
  • To give your child an idea of what to expect from a hot lunch, show them the school website's menu. Teach them how to use cutlery. Make sure they can open packs and unwrap food without help. Why not take them on picnics!

A few weeks before the new term

  • Take your child shopping for a uniform, shoes, and other items they will need for school. Let them be involved!
  • Before the new term begins, start getting into a school morning routine. Get them used to getting up, dressing, feeding, and washing before you leave.
  • Before September, let them try on their new school uniform so they feel comfortable. There is a possibility that some fabrics or fasteners may irritate them.
  • Ensure their name is easily readable. Best if you write in capitals.
  • Try visiting a quieter school entrance if your child has sensory issues.
  • Practice the school run to help your child learn:
    • how they're getting to school
    • what roads they will see
    • the different sights and sounds.
  • Create a scrapbook with your child, include drawings of:
    • the school, entrance and classroom
    • times of the day
    • their uniform
    • their journey to school
    • lunch hall and key staff (who to go to when they need to speak to someone).

  • Check how to share information about your child's needs with the teacher.
  • Ask the school if your child can take part in any transition activities.
  • Create a brief document about your child to share with the staff at the new school. Why not include:
    • personal interests and strengths
    • accomplishments
    • anxiety and stress triggers and how it affects their behaviour
    • calming and soothing strategies
    • how they like to be helped - what works and how can they replicate it?
    • communication - verbally and non-verbally, for example visible signs of stress.

Discover how schools can support your child.

With the help of Kent PACT and IASK we have put together some helpful questions to ask how your child's new school will best support them.

The questions will provide you with support surrounding your child's:

  • health
  • education
  • accessibility
  • school progress
  • transportation.

Read our helpful questions.

In year 5, a phase transfer meeting will take place at school. It is also known as an annual review. The school will discuss your child's education, health, and care plan (EHC). They will also talk about possible placements for year 7.

If you want your child to attend a certain school, you must let them know at the annual review. We will reach out to the school you have chosen and others to find out if they can help your child.

Find out more about the phase transfer review meeting and process.

If you are unhappy about the school named on your EHC plan

If you want to talk about the school mentioned in the EHC plan, you can talk to the SENCO at the setting first. For independent advice speak to IASK.

If you are unhappy with the school we have named, appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal.

Don't forget to look after yourself too. The first couple of weeks before and after the start of the new term can be stressful for some.

Make sure you:

  • don’t forget about your own sleep routine
  • support your mental health by exercising and making time for whatever it is that makes you happy
  • try and sort out after school child care in advance of term to save you stress during school time
  • carve out a child-free hour or two some evenings when the children are in bed.

For mental health support visit the NHS mental wellbeing information hub.

Settling into school can take a few weeks. You know your child best, don’t hesitate to speak to your school if you have any concerns. They are there to help you and have supported many parents in your situation.

Your child may:

  • feel more anxious and may tell you they have stomach-ache or a headache to avoid school. It can be helpful to speak them to see if anything is worrying them. If you can’t get to the bottom of the problem though, please tell your school so they can talk to them.
  • be more tearful and clingy for the first few days, which is quite normal.
  • be more exhausted at the end of the day - let them have some quiet time or even a nap when they get home. If they’re hungry, a healthy snack and drink can help restore energy levels.

It's a good idea to keep the first few weekends into a new term free, as they will likely need to recharge their batteries. Once they've started to get used to the structure of the school week, you can arrange days out and activities as a family.

We are here to answer any queries or questions you might have about your child starting a new school. For support you can contact: