Supporting your adopted child through school transitions

As we move into the summer term, school transitions suddenly start to feel very real. New classrooms, new teachers, new routines, and sometimes even new schools are just around the corner. While these changes can be exciting, they can also bring uncertainty and anxiety.

For adopted children, key educational transitions can be particularly challenging. Whether moving from nursery to primary school, or primary to secondary school, periods of change can trigger worries, fears and feelings of loss. It's important to remember that these transitions can be just as overwhelming for parents and carers as they are for children.

The good news is that with thoughtful planning and the right support, transitions can be made smoother, more predictable and less daunting.

Start building relationships early

One of the first steps is to identify the Designated Teacher in your child's new setting. Designated Teachers play a key role in supporting previously looked-after children and can become an invaluable link between home and school.

Reach out, introduce yourself and begin building a positive working relationship. Open communication from the outset can help ensure your child's needs are understood and supported.

Transition planning

A robust transition plan should be much more than a few visits to the new school.

As a parent or carer, you know your child better than anyone else. Your insights are crucial when planning how the transition will be managed. Consider:

• What helps your child feel safe and settled?
• What situations may cause anxiety?
• What support strategies are already working well?
• How can these be replicated in the new setting?

Make sure your voice is part of the planning process.

Trauma and attachment awareness

Understanding trauma and attachment can make a significant difference to a child's experience in school.

Find out whether the new setting has received Trauma and Attachment Training. If they have, ask when it was last completed and how this knowledge is embedded across the school. If training has not taken place, consider encouraging the school to arrange it for all staff members.

The more adults who understand your child's needs, the better supported they are likely to feel.

Share relevant information

Transitions are much smoother when schools have the information they need from day one.

Check that all relevant documents have been shared with the new setting, including:

• Educational reports
• Personal Education Plans (where applicable)
• One-page profiles
• Support plans
• Information about successful strategies and adjustments

The aim is to avoid your child having to "start from scratch" every time they move on.

Farewells

For many adopted children, endings can be particularly difficult.

Leaving behind trusted adults, familiar environments and established relationships may trigger feelings linked to previous losses and separations. That's why creating a meaningful and relational goodbye is so important.

A memory book, celebration book, photo album or special farewell activity can help children process the ending in a positive way. Taking time to acknowledge what they have achieved and who has mattered to them can provide an important sense of closure.

A positive ending is often the first step towards a successful new beginning.

Keeping the connection going

The long summer break can sometimes increase uncertainty about what comes next.

One simple but powerful idea is for the new school to keep in touch over the holidays. A postcard, welcome message or short communication can help reassure a child that they are being thought about and remembered, even when they are not physically present.

This sense of connection can reduce anxiety and help the new environment feel more familiar before September arrives.

More than standard transition support

Schools usually have a transition process in place for all children, but adopted children may require additional support.

Consider what reasonable adjustments may be needed, such as:

• Additional transition visits
• Visual supports
• Early access to classrooms
• Meet-and-greets with key staff
• Safe spaces within school
• Flexible approaches during the settling-in period

What works now should, wherever possible, be carried forward into the new setting.

Supporting transitions at home

Parents and carers can also play an important role in making the unknown feel more predictable.

Helpful strategies include:

• Creating visual timetables that mirror the school day
• Practising getting dressed in school uniform
• Talking through what a typical day might look like
• Driving or walking past the new school regularly
• Narrating journeys and surroundings to increase familiarity
• Looking at photos of key staff and classrooms where available

Small, repeated experiences can help reduce uncertainty and build confidence over time.

We can help

Our Education Support Sessions are designed to help adoptive and kinship families in England navigate transitions and change. We work alongside you to understand your child's individual needs and develop practical, tailored strategies that support a positive transition into their new educational setting.

We can also help with navigating EHCPs, exclusions, SEND support and explaining your child’s needs to an education professional.

Education Support Sessions (England)