From school to summer: Supporting children and young people with SEND through the transition

Changes to routines, fewer opportunities to see friends and uncertainty about what each day will bring can leave some children feeling anxious or unsettled. With a little planning, families can help make the transition smoother and create a summer that is both enjoyable and supportive.

Keep some routines in place

School provides structure and predictability, which many children and young people with SEND find reassuring. While the holidays don't need to follow a strict timetable, maintaining some familiar routines can help provide a sense of security.

Simple things such as keeping regular wake-up and bedtimes, eating meals at similar times or having a predictable morning routine can make a big difference. Visual schedules or calendars can also help children understand what to expect each day.

Remember, routines don't need to be rigid. A loose framework can provide reassurance while still allowing for fun and flexibility.

Support emotional wellbeing through co-regulation

Transitions can bring big emotions, and children and young people often look to trusted adults to help them make sense of how they're feeling.

Co-regulation is about supporting your child to manage emotions together, rather than expecting them to cope on their own. Staying calm, acknowledging their feelings and offering reassurance can help children feel safe and understood.

If plans change or emotions run high, remember that behaviour is communication. A child who seems frustrated, withdrawn or overwhelmed may simply be telling us that they need support, rest or reassurance.

Simple things such as spending time together, sharing a favourite activity, going for a walk or creating quiet spaces at home can all help children regulate and feel more settled.

Prepare for the change

Talking about the holidays in advance can help ease worries. Some children may be excited, while others may have mixed feelings about leaving school, missing friends or not knowing what comes next.

Using countdowns, calendars, social stories or photos can help children visualise the transition. Older children and young people may benefit from discussing plans together and having some say in how they spend their time.

If your child is moving to a new class, school or college in September, it can also help to talk positively about what lies ahead while acknowledging any concerns they may have.

Stay connected with friends

School offers regular opportunities for social interaction, and some children may miss seeing their peers over the holidays.

If your child would like to stay in touch, this doesn't have to mean organising lots of activities. A phone call, video chat, online gaming session, exchanging messages or meeting for an hour at the park can help maintain friendships and social confidence.

Not every child will want regular contact, and that's okay too. Following your child's lead and respecting their social preferences is important.

Learning doesn't have to stop

Summer provides plenty of opportunities for learning, and it doesn't have to look like schoolwork.

Everyday experiences can help children continue developing skills in a relaxed way. You could:

 

 

• Bake together and practise measuring and following instructions.
• Visit the library and enjoy books, comics or audiobooks.
• Encourage writing through postcards, shopping lists or keeping a holiday journal.
• Explore nature on walks and talk about what you can see, hear and smell.
• Play board games to support turn-taking, problem-solving and communication.
• Involve children in planning days out or preparing meals to build independence.

These small moments of learning can help children maintain confidence while keeping things fun and pressure-free.

Make time for rest

Children and young people work hard during the school year. For some, the demands of learning, social situations and managing sensory needs can be exhausting.

The holidays can be a valuable opportunity to recharge. Downtime is important, and it's okay if every day isn't packed with activities. Quiet days at home, favourite hobbies and simply having space to relax all play an important role in supporting wellbeing.

Lean on your child's school

You don't have to navigate the transition alone. Your child's school knows them well and may be able to offer advice tailored to their individual needs.

Before the end of term, consider speaking to your child's class teacher or pastoral team. They may be able to suggest ways to maintain routines, recommend local activities, share strategies that work well in school or provide resources to support emotional wellbeing over the summer.

Working together with school can help create a more consistent approach and make the return in September feel less daunting.

Remember, every family is different

There is no perfect way to spend the summer holidays. Some families thrive on adventures and busy schedules, while others prefer slower days and familiar routines.

Above all, be kind to yourself. There will be days that go to plan and days that don't, and that's okay. By providing reassurance, maintaining some structure and embracing everyday opportunities for connection and learning, you can help your child feel supported and confident as they transition from school into summer.

And before long, when September comes around, you'll have helped lay the foundations for a positive return to school and the start of a new chapter.