September Worries: It’s Okay if You’re Anxious Already
We haven’t even broken up for summer yet, but for many of us raising children with SEND, September is already looming.
A new classroom.
A new teacher.
Maybe even a whole new school.
And all the unknowns that come with it.
If you’re lying awake at night already worrying about how your child will cope after the break, you’re not alone, and you’re not being dramatic. You’re a parent who sees the detail, the triggers, the gaps. You know what they need to feel safe and supported.
“What if it’s just like this year again?”
If this school year’s been a struggle, it’s completely natural to fear more of the same.
Maybe provision hasn’t been delivered.
Maybe there’s been no consistency.
Maybe your child’s been masking and melting down at home.
If you’re dreading a repeat, now is a good time to reflect on what hasn’t worked, and think about what needs to change. You don’t have to wait until September to raise concerns, if your child has an EHCP or is on SEN Support, you can start asking questions now.
What You Can Do Before the Holidays
Here are a few gentle, manageable things you might want to consider before the school gates close:
Request a meeting with the SENCO or teacher (even a phone call or email) to raise any September concerns.
Ask if a transition plan is in place, especially if your child is changing class or setting.
Request a short written summary of their support so you can refer to it over the summer.
If an EHCP review is overdue, follow it up: it’s okay to be firm.
Create a transition photo book or social story to help your child feel more prepared.
Ask to visit the new classroom or meet the new staff if possible.
Even one or two of these can make a real difference come September.
For Some Children, Summer Isn’t a Break
We often think of holidays as a time to rest, but for many children with SEND, time away from structure is unsettling. Some will ask about September daily. Others will avoid talking about it at all. Both are valid responses.
You might find:
Your child’s anxiety increases as the holiday goes on.
Sleep and behaviour wobble.
They ask the same question again and again.
This doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It means they’re processing in the only way they know how.
Gentle Things That Can Help
You don’t need to prep school packs or do hours of “transition work” over the summer. But here are a few ideas that can reduce worry in small, low-pressure ways:
Look at a photo of the school or new classroom once a week.
Revisit the route to school a few times in August.
Practice the school routine slowly, start waking a little earlier towards the end of the holidays.
Make a short “what to expect” list they can read or even use images if text is not accessible to them.
Pack their bag together and choose a special item they can take with them.
And if it doesn’t go to plan? That’s okay too. You can start again tomorrow.
A Message for You, Too
This isn’t just about your child’s transition. It’s yours too.
It’s okay if you’re already feeling overwhelmed.
It’s okay if your stomach flips every time someone mentions September.
It’s okay if you’re dreading handing them back over to a system that doesn’t always get it.
You’re not overreacting, you’re paying attention. And that makes you a brilliant parent.
This summer, try to give yourself pockets of rest, but also permission to gently prepare if that brings you peace. And if you need help with any part of the process, from EHCP reviews to requesting support, SEND Meadow is here.
You got this!