Supporting SEND Learners Moving from Primary to Secondary School | SENsational Tutors

Bridging the Gap: Helping SEND Pupils Move from Primary to Secondary

This blog explores practical, evidence-based ways teachers and parents can support a SEND child transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7. It focuses on reducing anxiety, building confidence, and creating a smooth, structured pathway into secondary school. You’ll find actionable strategies, examples, and insights tailored to the unique needs of neurodivergent learners.

Key Takeaways

• A predictable transition plan reduces anxiety for SEND learners moving from primary to secondary school.
• Familiarisation with secondary environments before September helps SEND children feel safe and confident.
• Strong communication between parents, teachers, and tutors ensures consistent support.
• Low-demand approaches help SEND learners regulate their emotions and build resilience.
• Specialist tutoring provides continuity, and boosts personalised skill-building, especially when routines change.

What can parents do early to reduce transition anxiety?

A SEND child often needs more time, repetition, and reassurance to adjust to new environments. Early preparation helps them build familiarity and reduces the fear of the unknown.

• Create predictable routines that mirror secondary expectations, such as organising a bag the night before or practising a simple timetable.
• Use visual supports like maps, photos of/visits to the new school, create a “My New School” booklet to build familiarity.
• Practise independence skills such as travelling a short distance alone, using a planner, or managing belongings.

A calm, structured lead-in to September helps SEND learners feel secure and capable. Early preparation also gives parents time to identify areas where extra support may be needed. BBC Bitesize offer 5 essential top tips here to guide parents.

Emma Shackleton, Founder and CEO of Beacon School Support and a national specialist in SEMH/behaviour, shares practical, compassionate guidance to help SEND pupils navigate the transition from primary to secondary school:

Initially, Emma advocates the need for parents to manage their own emotions first: "One of the most helpful things parents can do is to manage their own anxiety about transition. Ensure you have other adults you can talk to, but do this out of earshot of your child." The Beacon School Support’s free guide highlights 8 Things NOT to Say offering simple, effective ways to support children with anxiety.

“In addition, gently remind your child about familiar routines that will help them feel grounded during change, like pizza night, football practice, or walking the dog, as well as setting a simple meet-up in September with one/two existing friends.”

Emma additionally highlights the strength of role play: “Role-playing common scenarios children might face builds problem-solving skills. For example, if they get lost, forget equipment or need help. Alongside this, emotional regulation techniques can also be included so they can learn how to stop, breathe and stay grounded.”

How can teachers support Year 6 SEND learners before they leave primary school?

Teachers play a crucial role in preparing SEND learners for the shift to a larger, more complex environment. Their guidance can reduce overwhelm and build confidence.

• Offer transition visits that include quiet tours, meeting key staff, and practising routes between classrooms.
• Share essential information with secondary schools, including sensory needs, emotional triggers, and successful strategies.
• Teach practical skills such as reading timetables, understanding homework expectations, and navigating social changes.

When teachers provide structured, SEND-friendly preparation, pupils enter Year 7 with a clearer sense of what to expect. This reduces anxiety and helps them feel more in control of the transition.

Parents may also find it helpful to explore additional guidance from Beacon School Support. Their parent resources page offers practical, accessible advice on supporting children through anxiety, behaviour changes, and school transitions. 

These resources complement Emma Shackleton’s suggestions and give families extra reassurance during the move from primary to secondary school.

How Schools Can Support Sensory Regulation in Year 7 

Secondary schools are louder, brighter, and more unpredictable than primary settings. For neurodivergent pupils, these sensory changes can feel overwhelming. Preparing for them early reduces anxiety and helps pupils feel more in control.

• Visual sensory maps of the new school will build confidence
• Use photos and videos to show sensory differences before September
• Talk through sensory triggers (bells, crowds, smells, lighting)

Supporting sensory needs early helps SEND learners feel calmer and more prepared for the busy, unpredictable environment of secondary school. When pupils know what to expect and have simple strategies to manage sensory triggers, the transition to Year 7 becomes far less overwhelming and much more predictable.

SEND Consultant, Author and Inclusion Specialist

Gary Aubin has highlighted some excellent points about how teachers and parents can help ease year 6 children into secondary school. Firstly, he makes suggestions for teachers and how they might want to communicate a high- school narrative:

“We need to help children and young people see themselves in as concrete a way as possible: What are those things that feel important to the child or young person? Will it be the same, and where it is different, how can we give a reassuring message?” 

Gary suggests that in place of sometimes making comments about their new school such as: 'It is going to be a big change next year”, teachers could alternatively give them more concrete reassurance, by saying: “These are some of the things that children learn in year 7 when they are doing maths'” or “I know that the secondary school you are going to has a lunch club."

Moving on to suggestions for parents, he continues: "In "Parents' Guide to SEND", which I co-wrote with Stephen Hull, we have put together a series of questions that we think parents are entitled to, and should be asking  schools."   

The book outlines several key questions that parents can ask their child’s primary school, such as

"How are you supporting my child through the transition process? What information are you transferring to the new school? How are you increasing my child's independence over time to ready them for what might be different in secondary?"

The book sets out parallel questions that parents may wish to also ask the secondary school, including: " ‘What support are you planning to give my child? How are you supporting my child to learn about your school before they get there?'  

Gary strongly advocates that parents should feel confident to voice their questions, should be listened to and shouldn't have to have all the answers.

Please follow this link to watch Gary’s complete guidance on this topic.

How can specialist tutoring support a smooth transition?

Tutoring provides continuity when school routines disappear. Even one session a week helps maintain learning confidence, emotional regulation, and structure. Tutors also help SEND children practise skills in a calm environment, making September feel less overwhelming.

• Build confidence through personalised learning, focusing on strengths and reducing pressure.
• Practise secondary-ready skills, such as organisation, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.
• Provide a safe space where SEND learners can express worries and discuss new routines.

Specialist tutoring bridges the gap between primary and secondary, offering consistent support during a period of change. It reinforces skills, reduces anxiety, and helps SEND learners feel ready for Year 7.

As professionals support your child, you can feel empowered to do the same. These suggestions from mental health charity “Young Minds”, offer encouraging, uplifting ideas to help you consolidate your child’s new pathway to high school.

Helping Your SEND Child Thrive in Year 7

Transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7 is a big step, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At SENsational Tutors, our specialist team supports SEND learners aged 4–21 with personalised, low-demand tutoring that soothes anxiety, builds confidence, emotional regulation, and a genuine love of learning. We value neurodivergent strengths and help each SEND child feel empowered, capable, and ready for secondary school.

Tutors focus on emotional regulation, personalised learning, and neurodivergent strengths, making the transition to secondary school calmer, more predictable, and genuinely empowering for each SEND child. If you’d like tailored guidance or want to explore how our tutors can support your child’s transition, please browse our services. We are a UK-based company and support children and young people nationwide. 

With the right support, every SEND learner can begin Year 7 with confidence and calm.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start preparing my SEND child for secondary school?

Ideally, begin preparation in the spring term of Year 6. This gives your SEND child time to build familiarity gradually. Start with simple steps like looking at photos of the new school, practising routines, and discussing what will stay the same. Early preparation reduces anxiety and prevents the transition from feeling rushed or overwhelming.

What if my SEND child is anxious about the size of secondary school?

Many SEND learners feel overwhelmed by larger buildings and busier corridors. You can help by arranging quiet visits, practising routes, and using visual maps. Tutors can also rehearse these scenarios through role-play. Over time, familiarity reduces fear and builds confidence.

How can I help my SEND child manage new routines?

Use visual timetables, colour-coded folders, and consistent morning routines. Practise packing a school bag, organising homework, and reading a timetable together. Repetition helps SEND learners feel secure and reduces the cognitive load of new expectations.

What should teachers share with secondary schools?

Teachers should pass on detailed information about sensory needs, emotional triggers, learning preferences, and successful strategies. This ensures continuity and prevents SEND learners from having to “start again” with new staff. Clear communication supports a smoother transition.

How can tutoring help during the summer holidays?

Tutoring provides structure when school routines disappear. Even one session a week helps maintain learning confidence and emotional regulation. Tutors can practise secondary-ready skills, rehearse routines, and support SEND learners in expressing worries safely.

What if my SEND child struggles socially in Year 7?

Social changes can be challenging. You can support your child by practising conversation starters, discussing friendship expectations, and role-playing common scenarios. Tutors can help build social confidence through low-demand, strengths-based approaches that reduce pressure and encourage authentic connection.

Please note: The information provided in this blog by SENsational Tutors is for general informational purposes only. While we aim to keep our content accurate and up to date, it should not be relied upon as professional advice. Every individual and situation is unique, and the information shared may not be applicable to your circumstances. We recommend seeking advice from an appropriately qualified professional before making any decisions based on this content.