TOP TIPS FOR SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S TRANSITION FROM YEAR 6 TO YEAR 7

 

The school transition from Primary school to Secondary school can be a big change for many children. Although for some it might be a time of great excitement, with children looking forward to making new friends, learning new things, and becoming more independent. It can also raise worries, concerns, and cause anxiety. Supporting children as they prepare to change schools can help reduce any worries and concerns they might have beforehand, help put some support networks in place, and identify some coping strategies that might support them.

Checking in with your child to see how they feel and openly communicating with them can help with this. Below are some questions that can help when discussing the move to a different school with your child.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CHILD

1. What 3 things do they like about school?
2. What 3 things don’t they like at school?
3. What 3 things are they looking forward to about starting secondary?
4. Is there anything they will miss about primary school?
5. Is there anything they aren’t looking forward to you? If so, what aren’t they looking forward to?
6. Have they got any worries about going to secondary school? If so, what are they?
7. What will help them before and after the move to Secondary.

SOME OTHER POINTS THAT CAN BE HELPFUL TO CONSIDER WHEN DISCUSSING THE MOVE WITH YOUR CHILD.

• How will they travel to their new school?
• Will they have school lunches?
• What do they know about their new school?
• What will they need? It’s also useful to ask what your child thinks they will need.
• Will your child know anyone going to the same school? Is there an opportunity to meet some people going to the school before September?

 

• Starting conversations early on and talking to your child about how they might be feeling about the change is important. Change can bring up all sorts of emotions, and even though children might not always verbalise them, they might be feeling them.
• Talking through the practical issues, such as how they will be travelling to their new school, lunch arrangements, and what equipment they will need to take with them, can be really helpful. Sometimes just having all the practical things in place can alleviate some worries or concerns, which reduces anxiety.
• Speak to your child’s primary school to see how they support your child’s transition to secondary school. Do they have move up days arranged with your child’s new school? If not, will there be the opportunity for your child to visit before they move up?
• If your child struggles with expressing their emotions, writing down their feelings, or just drawing a picture can help with this.

Whilst preparation for the move to secondary school is important, it’s also important to find a balance and ensure your child has the opportunity to relax and have fun during the transition process. With changes, there can be a lot of different things to process. Change can signal endings and beginnings at the same time. This can be overwhelming. Ensuring children feel supported and reducing any amount of overwhelm is another important factor in reducing anxiety.
The move from Year 6 to Year 7 brings a move from a small school with perhaps one or two teachers to a much larger school with many teachers for different subjects within a larger environment. This can be a big change as it will encourage children to become increasingly independent, increase social interaction, and manage practicalities such as moving from class to class and managing homework. It can be a bit like starting a new job as an adult! Lots of information to process, names to learn, and a new environment to find your way around.

The more support you can put in place for your child before the school transition, will boost their emotional wellbeing and resilience, ensuring they have some solid foundations in place for this important stage in their life.

Whilst supporting your child during this time is important, I am aware that this is also an important time for all parents. So, I would invite you to think about what support you need during this time, and what emotions are coming up for you. When you can take some time for yourself as well.

As well as being a counsellor, I have over thirty years of experience of working with children as a Youth Worker and Nursery Nurse. I have run school transition projects supporting children through the year 6 to 7 transition and have experience of supporting children through this important transition.

I offer 1-1 to children to help with this transition. If you feel this might be of help for your child, please get in touch to discuss how I might be able to support your child.

Wishing you and your child all the very best as you navigate this time.