“The first week won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. What matters most is that children feel safe, understood, and supported.”
Why the First Week Back Can Be Difficult
The return to school after a holiday is often a whirlwind. For many children, it’s exciting: seeing friends again, meeting a new teacher, or settling into a fresh classroom. But for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), that same transition can be overwhelming.
While routines provide structure and security, school holidays tend to loosen them. Late mornings, unstructured play, and flexibility at home give way to early alarms, busy classrooms, and full timetables. This sudden change can take a toll on children who thrive on predictability.
Many parents and teachers notice that children seem to cope in the classroom but then “crash” when they get home. This might look like meltdowns, tears, irritability, or withdrawal. These behaviours aren’t signs of failure—they’re the body and brain saying, “That was a lot for me.”
What You Might Notice
During the first week back, some common signs of adjustment include:
- Increased tiredness or emotional outbursts.
- Anxiety about separating from parents.
- Forgetting familiar routines or tasks.
- Seeking reassurance, sometimes through repeated questions.
- Sensory behaviours such as covering ears, fidgeting, or retreating to quiet spaces.
These are not setbacks, but signals. Your child is communicating that the transition is demanding.
How Schools Can Support SEN Children
1. Provide Predictability
A visual timetable displayed in class helps children anticipate what’s happening next. If something will change—like PE being cancelled or an assembly taking place—giving advance notice can ease anxiety.
2. Revisit Routines
Spending time re-teaching classroom routines sets everyone up for success. This helps children remember expectations and feel confident in what they should do.
3. Offer a Safe Space
Having a quiet corner or regulation zone allows children to step away and reset if they feel overwhelmed.
4. Focus on Positives
Celebrating small wins—whether it’s joining a group activity or unpacking a school bag independently—reinforces effort and builds resilience.
5. Communicate with Home
Quick check-ins or communication sheets between school and parents help both sides understand how the child is managing.
How Families Can Support at Home
1. Allow Downtime
Give your child time to unwind after school before homework, clubs, or social activities. Quiet play, reading, or simply resting can make a big difference.
2. Reinforce Simple Routines
Morning and evening checklists or visual prompts can reduce stress. For example: get dressed → eat breakfast → brush teeth → pack bag.
3. Prepare in Advance
Laying out clothes, prepping snacks, and organising the school bag the night before keeps mornings calm.
4. Talk About Tomorrow
Briefly talking through what the next day will look like—who will pick them up, what lessons they might have—can reduce uncertainty.
5. Offer Empathy and Encouragement
Phrases like “I know today was tricky, but you still did it” validate their feelings while highlighting their effort.
The Power of Partnership
When schools and families work together, children benefit. A consistent approach across both environments builds a sense of security and reduces anxiety. Whether it’s sharing calming strategies, using similar visuals, or giving the same type of encouragement, children notice the continuity—and feel reassured by it.
The first week back at school is rarely smooth, but that’s part of the process. With patience, empathy, and structure, SEN children can settle into routines at their own pace, building the foundations for a positive and successful term.
