As September approaches, many families are beginning to navigate the familiar, and often emotional, return to school. The shift from relaxed summer days to structured routines can be challenging, especially when a child needs more support to feel settled and secure.
In this edition of Ask SEND EDventures, we respond to questions from parents and carers about the lead-up to a new term, including anxiety about going back, difficulties with school uniform, worries about fitting in, managing hearing equipment, and returning to class after long-term illness. Our answers offer practical advice, reassurance, and links to trusted UK resources to help you feel more prepared.
Q: My 6-year-old has autism and is already worrying about going back to school. She asks every day how many weeks are left. How can I help prepare her without making it worse?
A: This kind of anxiety is very common, especially for children who thrive on routine and predictability. Even positive school experiences can feel distant after six weeks away, and many children begin to feel unsettled as the return approaches. Start with a simple visual countdown or calendar so they can track the days themselves, paired with calm, consistent reminders about what school involves. Try watching class videos, browsing the school website together, or reading stories about returning to school. If your child was given a transition booklet or photos of their new classroom or teacher before the holidays, bring these back into your daily routine as low-pressure prompts for discussion. Further guidance is available from the Autism Education Trust and Ambitious about Autism, both of which offer SEND-specific resources on managing change.
Q: Mornings are always tricky for my teenager with ADHD. We’re trying earlier bedtimes in preparation for school, but it just seems to cause meltdown after meltdown.
Q: Uniform is a nightmare. My child says the fabric feels horrible and tight. He’s refusing to wear it and getting distressed every morning.
Q: Our son wears hearing aids and relies on lip reading when one stops working, but he won’t always tell staff. We worked hard last year to keep his device connected so he could hear clearly. I’m worried we’ll have to start over with new staff.
Q: My daughter has a long-term illness and missed the whole summer term. She’s returning to a class with new children and a teacher she doesn’t know. She says she feels forgotten and anxious.
Q: We’re on a tight budget and our teenage son is panicking about not having the “right” shoes or coat. He finds friendships hard and worries about standing out.
A: The pressure to “fit in” can be intense, particularly for teens already navigating SEND-related challenges. Speak to school about pupil premium or hardship support; many have pre-loved uniform rails or donation schemes, and some local authorities offer uniform grants. Check pre-owned sites like Vinted, Thrift+ and Facebook Marketplace for near-new items. Involve your child in choosing budget-friendly options that still look “right” (plain black trainers, neutral coats). Confidence matters more than labels. Turn2Us and the Child Poverty Action Group offer advice on available support and how to talk with school if affordability affects attendance or wellbeing.
Get in touch at sendedventures.com/contact. All questions are anonymous unless you tell us otherwise. You don’t need to have it all sorted—you just need to know that help is available and we’re with you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general interest and should not be considered medical, therapeutic or educational advice. Families are encouraged to seek support from qualified professionals regarding individual needs or concerns.