September isn't going to plan? You're not alone

September is here, and if the return to school isn't going smoothly- you're not alone. This month we're talking about September reality: what's actually normal (spoiler, it's messier than you think) and what to do when your best-laid plans fall apart.

Author

Genevieve McNamara
September 01, 2025

Table of Contents

September Reality Check: What's Actually Normal

The truth? Even perfect preparation doesn't guarantee smooth sailing.

Children with SEN often need longer to adjust to new routines. If you're seeing any of these, your child is adapting to the new changes:

  • Extra tiredness - adapting to new environments is exhausting

  • Not quite as comfortable as they seemed at school before summer - it may be the same school, but everything is still different (classes, teachers, where to line up)

  • Academic skills feeling rusty - reading, maths, handwriting taking more effort

  • More need for reassurance and checking in with you

  • Some emotional ups and downs at home after holding it together at school

When to Worry

Seek support if you see:

  • School refusal

  • No improvement after a few weeks

  • Extreme new behaviours (aggression, self-harm, total withdrawal)

  • Your gut says something's really wrong

Where to get help:

  • Your child's class teacher

  • School SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)

  • Your GP

  • Educational psychologist or specialist services

Trust your instincts. You know your child best.

Summer Learning Loss

If your child's academic skills seem rustier after summer, you're witnessing something completely normal.

Children with SEN are particularly affected because:

  • They rely more on routine and consistent practice

  • Skills like reading fluency need daily reinforcement

  • Memory consolidation requires regular retrieval - without practice, information becomes harder to access

This isn't about "not doing enough” over the holidays - it's neuroscience.

How to Help

Schools typically:

  • Build in gentle review periods during September

  • Assess where children are now, not where they "should" be

  • Celebrate progress from today's starting point

When tutoring helps: If your child is frustrated by the gap or losing confidence in subjects they previously enjoyed, targeted support can rebuild both skills and confidence.

Quick Tips Corner

  • September Survival Strategies:

    • Add 15 extra minutes to morning routines

    • Have snacks ready for after-school energy crashes

    • Create quiet decompression time after school - your child needs this to regulate

    • Validate feelings: "I can see school feels overwhelming right now"

    Academic Skills: Remember - skills usually return faster than they were first learned. Gentle encouragement beats pressure every time.

Upcoming Events

Parent/Carer Workshop: Applying for and appealing an EHCP

  • October 2025

  • Location: Online

Get the insider knowledge you need to navigate the EHCP process with confidence. We'll cover what really works, common mistakes to avoid, and how to strengthen your case whether you're applying for the first time or facing an appeal.

Limited to just 50 places so we can answer your specific questions and provide personalised guidance.

Your Voice Matters

This is your newsletter, and we want it to be truly useful to you.

We invite you to comment, share, and help shape our future editions.

  • What SEN topics would you like us to cover?

  • What resources do you need most?

  • What questions are keeping you up at night?

Drop your suggestions in the comments or email us directly. Together, we can create a newsletter that truly makes a difference for families navigating special educational needs.

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