The Aurora Group | Special Needs & Disability (SEND) Schools

Why going back to school can feel hard

School holidays often offer a break from structure, which many children enjoy. But returning to routines can take time, particularly for children with SEND. You might notice things like:

• Increased anxiety around changes or expectations
• Sensory overload after time spent in calmer or more familiar environments
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Worries about friendships, learning or social situations
• Finding it hard to switch out of ‘holiday mode’

These reactions are very normal and don’t mean your child isn’t coping, they’re often a sign that change feels big.

Gently ease back into a routine

In the days leading up to the return to school, it can help to slowly shift sleep times, mealtimes and daily routines closer to term-time patterns. There’s no need to do everything at once, instead work towards small steps.

Talk about school in a calm, low-pressure way:

• What a usual school day looks like
• Who they'll see when they go back
• Parts of the day or activities they enjoy

Use visual supports if they work for your child

Some children find it helpful to see what’s coming next. Visual timetables, calendars or countdowns can make the return to school feel more predictable and less uncertain. Try putting a calendar on the fridge door and encouraging your child to count down the days until school.

Listen to worries

If your child shares worries or anxieties, letting them know you’ve heard and understood can really help. You don’t always need to solve the problem straight away – feeling listened to often makes a big difference.

Practise calming strategies together

It can be helpful to revisit calming activities before school starts, so they feel familiar and can be drawn upon when needed. Having calming exercises in their personal toolbox can help when you’re not around to reassure them or when emotions feel big.

These might include:

• Simple breathing or grounding exercises
• Quiet sensory activities
• Gentle movement

Notice and name what’s going well

Pointing out and praising small successes, whether that’s getting ready independently or managing part of the school day, can help build confidence and reassurance.

The first few days back

The early days of term can be tiring, even if things seem to be going well. Remember that it’s okay if things don’t settle straight away, transitions can often take a while.

You might find it helps to:

• Allow a bit of extra time in the mornings to reduce pressure for the whole family
• Keep expectations realistic - tiredness and emotional ups and downs are common
• Offer a calm space after school to relax or talk
• Stick to familiar routines at home where possible
• Allow your child to bring into school a comfort from home, such as a cuddly toy

Working with your child’s school

If returning to school is particularly difficult for your child, staying in touch with their school or setting can be really helpful. It helps to share the load and let everyone work together to support your child.

It’s helpful for your school to know:

• What helps your child feel calm and secure
• Early signs your child might be becoming overwhelmed
• Strategies that work well at home

Be kind to yourself too

Supporting a child through change can be exhausting. Some days will go better than others, and that’s okay. Trust your understanding of your child, take things one step at a time, and reach out for support if you need it.