Annually one phrase calls an end to the summer holidays; much like marmite, it creates a polarising effect for whoever hears it. It is a love/hate relationship that causes excitement, anxiety and panic buying new pencil cases for both students and teachers alike.
“Back to school.”
Returning to formal learning environments after the long summer break can be a stressful concept for students. And the start of the 2020/21 school year is going to be uniquely stressful and overwhelming, especially for the 1.3 million children with special educational needs who might have found comfort in their relaxed home learning environments.
Not only will the normal 6-week summer break have lasted for an unprecedented 23 weeks, but students will also be returning to somewhat alien classrooms – new layouts, altered break times and smaller class sizes, among other changes. Leaving a few elements of normalcy for children to return to, making their transition back to school that bit more difficult.
Continue reading “Supporting the Transition From Home-School to the Classroom”