Positive Preparations for the Transition to Full-Time Education for the Under Fives (Part 1)

Positive preparations for September
As we approach the end of the Summer vacation, there will be many parents preparing for the heartache of separation as their child enters the world of full-time education. For some, the foundations for this major move have already been set, with nurseries and playgroups helping bridge that gap from infancy, to a child’s growing independence. For others, and even for those accustomed to time away from their child, September is a troublesome and traumatic month.

Points of transition journey and jostle with us all through life, so much so that we can forget the significance of transitions we have made and children in their turn, will travel through too.  The start of full-time education is a major upheaval in many households, despite what preparations have been made, what support has been given by the school, what discussions have taken place in the family.

The need to self-monitor thought processes
Children are adept at picking up on tension and conflict in the adults around them, long before they are familiar with the language used in conversations that fall over their heads. So, a starting point for positive preparations is to self-monitor thought processes and to regulate emotional responses to change ahead.

Popular psychology tells us that we are driven towards our dominant thoughts. So, the parent who suspects their child is not ready, socially, emotionally or academically for the move to full-time education, will seek evidence to support that notion despite what support may be put in place to assist the transition to school.

Maintaining confidence and a positive outlook
For the parent of a young child with special educational needs, maintaining a positive outlook and confidence is one of the most demanding challenges, especially when that confidence may have been eroded by the months and often years of assessment and intervention by early years’ specialists. For many parents, accepting the reality of a child’s special needs can be a long and difficult process.  One of the best ways to counter negative thoughts is to keep a sense of perspective about a child’s progress over a period of time, rather than take an inventory of deficits and problems in the now.

Be aware of hyper-sensitivity
In the build up to September, parents may be hyper-sensitive to observations that tell them that all is not well, that their child may not cope, or may be subject to bullying, or academic failure, or social isolation. Our fears burst forth so unbidden, but at this time of year, fear can take control. It is a double-edged sword – the mother who feels anxious about her child’s capacity to cope with school life will be hyper-vigilant to evidence that supports her fears and at the same time, is questioning her own competencies as a mother over this past four years. Strive to rid your mind of doubts and keep a calm focus instead, on all the possibilities that lie ahead for your child to develop and grow into a self-confident, capable young person.

Key Points from Part 1:
•    Self monitor thought processes and avoid negative thoughts
•    Maintain a positive outlook and confidence
•    Keep a sense of perspective of a child’s progress over time
•    Be alert to hyper-sensitivity at stressful times
•    Have faith in your own competencies as a parent

Heather Stack is a SEN consultant and director of learning Services (SEN) Ltd. She offers a range of consultancy and training services for schools and other organisations. You can get in touch with her via LinkdIn or the learning services website.