AUTISM INCLUSION TEACHER
T4 2025
Hello from the Autism Teacher,
Supporting a Successful Transition from Year 6 to Year 7
As the end of the school year approaches, many families and students are preparing for the important transition from primary to high school. The move from Year 6 to Year 7 brings many exciting opportunities, new friendships, and challenges. It is natural for both students and parents to experience a mix of anticipation and anxiety during this time.
Understanding the Challenges
Transitioning to high school means adapting to a larger environment, different teachers, increased expectations, and new routines. All students, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent (such as those with Autism, ADHD, or learning differences), may find these changes challenging. For neurodivergent students, changes in routines, social settings, and learning environments can sometimes cause additional stress.
Strategies to Support Your Child
- Stay positive and informed: Encourage open conversations about feelings and expectations. Remind children that it’s normal to feel nervous.
- Visit the new school: Where possible, attend orientation days or school tours to help make the new setting feel familiar.
- Build routines: Practise morning and afternoon routines before the first day.
- Encourage friendships: Reassure your child that making new friends takes time and encourage them to join clubs or activities.
Communicate with teachers: Inform your child’s new school of any particular needs or supports that may help smooth the transition.
Every student’s journey will be different, and your support makes a big difference in how they experience this transition. I have included a document that you may like to fill out with your child. If you have concerns or need further advice, please feel free to reach out.
Resources for Parents and Carers
Here are some useful articles to help support your child’s move to high school:
Raising Children Network: Moving from Primary to Secondary School
The Parents’ Guide: Supporting your Child’s Transition to High School
Sue Larkey- Getting Your Neurodiverse Student Ready for Secondary School – Your Transition Guide
What do I need to know about high school?
| What do we need to know about | Where is the information recorded | |
Breaktimes What happens at break time?
Where can I go?
What can I do?
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Lunchtimes What happens at lunchtime?
When/where/canteen
| ||
Clubs and activities What clubs are there? Times/days/how to join?
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School rules What are the lesson times? | ||
Homework How much homework do you get?
| ||
Staff What are they names of the staff you will meet the most
| ||
Bullying How is bullying dealt with in the school?
How do you report bullying?
| ||
Lost What do you if you forget your homework?
What do you do if you are lost or if you lose something
| ||
Feeling ill or hurt What do you do if you fell ill in school?
What do you do if you get hurt at school?
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Claire McGarvey
Autism Inclusion Teacher