Yr6 transition support

[321pastamaker]

I have just left my secondary school where I have been a SENCO, I have been a teacher for nearly 30 years! I'm now venturing into the world of SEN consultancy and dyslexia specialist tutor. I really know how different primary is to secondary school, especially for our SEN students - it can be a hard transition. I have seen this from when I have visited primary schools for EHCP consultations. I am considering offering transition support. As a parent what would your year 6 child need? As a parent what do you need? I've got some ideas, but want to see what people would like.

Executive functioning support: teaching them how to navigate all the classroom changing and having to have the right book out and know where to write etc.

Having someone in a room somewhere to go when they don't know what to do or where to go, or something is wrong.

I am trying to send my AuDHD son back to school for year 6 (i.e. final year of primary) and am dreading that, let alone transitioning to secondary. THe school he'll go to "doesn't have any special needs students" and thus doesn't offer any support, just kicks them out if they get too much.

@WhichSchoolOrNoSchool My heart goes out to you. What you are describing with your AuDHD son may be EBSNA (Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance). I know EBSNA is never bad behaviour or refusal; it is a child's nervous system being completely overwhelmed. I know that schools and teachers are in different places with their understanding. All schools have to publish an Inclusion Strategy by 31st December 26, I wonder if the secondary school may have a change of direction? It is like a school saying they don't have bullies, it is simply not true.

Your ideas around executive functioning are really helpful. You are right it is important for a child to know where they can access a trusted person to be able to ask for help and share their worries.

I know that even the transition from Year 5 to 6 can feel a big one, as the focus is all on SATs and the transition.

I hope there are local services that you feel can support you.

I think DS1 (very bright but scatty and fidgety) will need help with the practical side of things - e.g. remembering the correct kit/equipment for each day. Not forgetting anything on the bus etc.

I am going to try and stop being so helpful in year 6 - e.g. make him pack his own bag to get used to it while there's still not really any consequences.

@Girasoli That sounds a great idea laying the groundwork during Yr6, a well placed visual checklist/timetable can help for bag packing.

My son's school offered a special class that operated partly like a primary class. The pupils stayed in one room and the teachers came to them. This was just for year 7. It offered a gentler transition to secondary school.