Top tips for a positive start to the school year

01 September 2026

As the new school year approaches, many children and young people will be getting ready to return to the classroom. For some children and young people, this can be an exciting time. For others, changes to routines, new teachers or a different school environment can feel worrying.

The good news is that a little preparation can help make the transition easier.

1. Talk about what is changing

If your child or young person is starting a new school, moving to a new class or meeting a new teacher, it can help to talk about these changes before term starts.

You could: 

• Look at photos of their school or classroom
• Talk through what their school day might look like
• Make a list of questions they would like answered
• Visit the school if this is possible
• Talk through what your school day might look like

2. Know trusted people

Talk with your child or young person about who they can speak to if they feel worried, upset or need support during the school day.

Their trusted people might be:

• A teacher
• Teaching assistant
• SENDCo
• Pastoral lead
• School nurse
• A trusted friend

Knowing who they can go to for help can help your child or young person feel more confident and settled.

3. Practice routines

Helping your child or young person get back into a routine before school starts can make the first few days easier.

Try:

• Going to bed a little earlier each night
• Practising the morning routine
• Packing the school bag the night before
• Preparing school clothes in advance
• Practising any tasks which feel less familiar, such as changing into PE kits
• Talking through travel arrangements

4. Practise the journey to school

If the journey to school will be different this year, it can help to practise it before term starts.

They could:

• Walk or travel the route with a parent, carer or trusted adult
• Identify where they will be dropped off or collected
• Talk about what to do if plans change
• Take photos of important landmarks along the way
• Check how long the journey takes

Knowing what to expect can help reduce worries and build confidence.

5. Talk to school about support

If you have any concerns about the return to school, it can help to speak with a key member of staff before term starts or during the first few weeks back.

You may want to discuss:

• What support or adjustments are in place
• Any worries about new routines or expectations
• Strategies that have worked well in the past
• Who to speak to if they need help during the school day

Having these conversations early can help everyone understand what support is needed and make the transition back to school smoother.

6. Use the things that help 

Everyone is different, so think about the tools and strategies that help them feel calm and organised.

These might include:

• Visual timetables
• Checklists
• Reminders on phones or tablets
• Sensory items
• Fidget tools
• Noise-reducing headphones
• Communication aids or apps

If something helps them learn and feel comfortable, speak to a key person in the school at the beginning of the school year to plan for this.

7. Share any worries

If your child or young person is feeling anxious about returning to school, encourage them to speak to someone they trust.

This could be:

• A parent or carer
• A family member
• A teacher
• A support worker
• A friend

Talking about concerns can help children and young people find solutions and feel supported.

8. Remember that transitions take time

Big changes can take a little while to get used to. It is normal to feel tired, worried or overwhelmed during the first few weeks of a new term. This does not mean things are going badly. It often takes time to adjust to new routines, expectations and environments.

Whether they’re moving from:

• One class to another
• Early years to primary school
• Primary school to secondary school
• Secondary school to sixth form, college or training

It's okay if things don't feel familiar straight away. Give your child or young person time to settle into new routines, meet new people and become comfortable in their new surroundings.

Useful resources for parents and carers

There is lots of support available to help children and young people with SEND prepare for the new school year.

Transition support

• The West Northamptonshire Local Offer provides guidance and advice for children and young people with SEND and their families.
• BBC Bitesize offers practical advice on starting secondary school.

SENDIASS

SENDIASS provides free, impartial information, advice and support to children, young people and parents/carers about SEND-related issues.

Young Minds

Young Minds offers advice and resources to help children, young people and families manage worries and support emotional wellbeing during times of change.

Remember

Starting a new school year can feel exciting, challenging or a bit of both for children, young people and their families. Take things one step at a time, celebrate small successes and don't be afraid to ask for support if it is needed.