Ep 11: Helping Your SEN Child Transition at School with Confidence

Today, Sarah is exploring a topic that's both exciting and daunting for many parents, transitioning to a new school or class. As we approach the end of the academic year, schools and nurseries are gearing up for transition visits, and both parents and children have a whirlwind of feelings to navigate. 

In this episode, Sarah explores practical strategies to help your child feel ready and confident during this period of change. She’ll discuss the importance of connection and predictability, and how these key elements can significantly smooth the transition process. She’ll also share some valuable tools, such as visual resources and the power of shared reading, to help your child manage their emotions and expectations.

Make sure you listen for insights and actionable advice to make this transition as seamless as possible for both you and your child. 

Here are the Highlights:

00:01 Helping parents navigate feelings and support kids' transitions.

05:36 Predictability is very important for children's feeling of security.

08:38 Visual tools help us organise and reassure.

10:33 Boys often need more preparation for room change.

14:10 Visual tools explain pick-up arrangements for children.

19:44 Prepare a sensory bag for car trips.

21:29 We have a downloadable tool with practical tips and videos.

Resources: You can buy the The Transitions tool here: https://www.confidentkids.co/shop

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram @confidentkids.co

Email sarah@confidentkids.co

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk