Would you have expected a meeting

[Strawred]

DS has asd and adhd and is starting mainstream reception in September. He has an ehcp and his nursery confirmed that his new school have received it. He has had 3 “stay and plays” at his new school and apart from a 1 minute conversation from the teacher that’s all I’ve heard from them.

A couple of weeks ago I rang the school and asked if it was possible to arrange a meeting to discuss his needs etc. I know it’s all in his ehcp but I personally believe he needs a specialist school and that’s his needs aren’t shown enough on the ehcp but that’s another story. The school breaks up on Wednesday and so far I’ve heard nothing. I’m presuming I won’t get this meeting. It may be all ok and I may be over thinking but I feel like he’s just going to be thrown in the deep end in September and I feel helpless. Also on the school website it states that children with SEN are offered more stay and play dates but this hasn’t been the case with us.

like I say, I may be overthinking but it doesn’t give me much confidence for September

Yes, I would expect a meeting and an extended transition. I don't think EHCPs ever give the full picture, have the school confirmed they have the paperwork?

When my DC started in reception all the transition days and teacher meetings were in early September. We did receive all communication letters with all the times and dates in July though. Will you not have a home visit?

I don’t think you’re overthinking at all - it’s completely understandable to want more communication and reassurance, especially when your child has additional needs and you know how important those first weeks will be for him.

Given the EHCP and the school’s own statement about offering more stay-and-play dates for SEN children, it’s reasonable to expect a meeting and extra visits. Even if his needs are detailed in the EHCP, having that personal conversation before he starts can make a huge difference in building trust and making sure staff feel prepared.

If you haven’t already, it might be worth emailing the SENCO directly before the start of school, copying in the headteacher, and explaining that you’d like to meet to discuss how they’ll support him from day one. Sometimes things do slip through the cracks, but you’re absolutely right to advocate for him now rather than wait until September.

Starting Reception is part of what I’m exploring in my PhD research at the University of Essex, as part of a UK/European project called SWITCH. We’re looking at how to best support children’s mental health and wellbeing during this big step.

If anyone here has a child starting Reception in Sept 2025, I’m happy to share details of how to take part – it’s two questionnaires over two years, and some families may also be invited to the University of Essex for a unique opportunity to explore brain and behavioural development more closely.