As children and young people across Warwickshire prepare for a new school year, many families will be thinking about how to support a positive and successful start to the new term.
As children and young people across Warwickshire prepare for a new school year, many families will be thinking about how to support a positive and successful start to the new term.
For children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), returning to school can bring both excitement and anxiety. Changes to routines, new teachers, different learning environments, and increased expectations can sometimes be challenging, making preparation and planning especially important.
There are several simple steps families can take to help children feel more confident and settled, including:
- Re-establishing school routines, such as bedtimes and morning schedules, before term starts.
- Talking through what to expect when returning to school and addressing any worries or concerns.
- Using visual supports, social stories, or photographs to help children understand changes in routines or environments.
- Encouraging independence with everyday skills, where appropriate.
- Communicating with school staff about any changes in needs, support arrangements, or circumstances over the summer break.
- Identifying trusted adults and support available in school.
Warwickshire County Council's SEND Local Offer provides a range of information, advice and resources to support children and young people with SEND and their families. Families can also access guidance on educational transitions, wellbeing, and preparing for key stages of education through the dedicated transitions webpages at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/transitions
Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education at Warwickshire County Council, said:
"Returning to school is an important milestone for all children and young people. For those with SEND, taking time to prepare and access the right support can make a real difference to how confident and settled they feel as they start the new term.
"We encourage families to make use of the information and resources available through the SEND Local Offer and our wider support services to help ensure every child has a positive start to the school year."
For additional advice and support, including practical tips to help children and young people settle into a new school or setting, listen to the Let’s Talk Warwickshire Podcast: Going Back to School.
Further support is also available through the Warwickshire Family Information Service on 0800 408 1558 or 01926 742274, by email at fis@warwickshire.gov.uk, or through the Children and Families webpages You can also visit Sorted for School for information on starting school and parenting support.
Contact have also created a Back-to-school checklist for families with disabled children.