Preparing for September Transitions

The shift from summer freedom back to structured school days can be particularly challenging for children with SEN. Many need time to process change and benefit from gradual preparation rather than sudden transitions. Our approach focuses on building bridges between summer experiences and school readiness whilst maintaining the joy and growth that holidays can bring.

Supportive Strategies We Recommend:

Gradual Routine Re-introduction:

• Start shifting bedtimes and wake-up times two weeks before school begins

• Practice morning routines including getting dressed and eating breakfast within time limits

• Reintroduce structured activities for short periods, gradually increasing duration

School Preparation Activities:

• Visit the school playground or walk past the building during quiet times

• Regularly read transition books of the new classroom, teachers, and key school areas if possible

• Practice school-specific skills at home like opening lunch boxes, putting on and taking off coats, and tying shoelaces

• Role-play common school scenarios through play

Remember, some regression in skills or behaviour is completely normal during transitions. Be patient with your child and yourself as everyone adjusts to new routines.

Summer Learning Loss: Summer holidays can sometimes lead to a dip in academic skills, particularly for children with SEN who benefit from consistent routine and practice. If you need support with maintaining learning at home during the holidays, book a call with us to discuss how our tailored tutoring can help bridge the gap.

Sensory-Rich Summer Activities to Support Your Child’s Development: An Occupational Therapy Perspective

This month, we're thrilled to share our guest contributor's article and sensory activities calendar from Melinda Eriksen, a Highly Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Why Sensory-Rich Activities Matter

As Melinda explains in her comprehensive guide, "These activities not only support key areas of development, but they also promote connection, exploration, and joy. Many children benefit from the rich sensory input that nature offers, and when they are given space to move, build, imagine, and get messy, they are engaging in therapy without even realising it."

Melinda's evidence-based approach shows how simple outdoor activities can provide therapeutic benefits while feeling like pure play. Her guide covers everything from cold water swimming (which stimulates the vagus nerve for emotional regulation) to barefoot walking (boosting tactile feedback and working memory), climbing activities (enhancing motor planning), and messy play with natural materials (supporting tactile processing).

Continuing the Benefits Into September

The beauty of these activities is they're not just for summer holidays - many can continue supporting your child's development throughout the school year:

• After-school regulation: Heavy work activities like carrying buckets or animal walks help children decompress after busy school days

• Weekend development: Nature scavenger hunts support the visual discrimination and working memory skills needed in the classroom

• Building school readiness: Activities like climbing and hanging build the upper body strength essential for comfortable writing, while blowing activities strengthen oral motor skills for clear speech

Read the full article and download the 4-Week Sensory Activity Calendar below - A practical week-by-week guide to implementing these activities at home.

If you're interested in learning more about how to tailor sensory activities to your child's specific needs, Melinda offers specialist assessments and can be contacted at [email protected]