Life as a SEN mum

It’s the time we’ve probably all been waiting for. But, whilst we long to be back in routine it can be bitter sweet. The realisation that they’re another year older can really hit home and can be quite emotional, particularly for those with children starting school for the first time.

On top of everything else, the stress of making sure you’ve got everything ready can be overwhelming and there’s often the added worry of how our children will settle into new classes, get on with new friends etc.

Practice routine

If it might help, a few days before start driving or walking the route you will take to school. It helps to remove some of the anxiety prior to the first day.

If possible to get back into earlier nights and mornings. It’s not always possible, whether it’s last minute holidays or children who have sleep issues, a sleep routine can be difficult, but if you can get some sort of routine in place it will certainly help heading into the first week.

Social stories

This is something our school does really well. It was always offered to SEN pupils, but since lockdown they’ve found it can help all pupils. They give a little detail on an average routine, including pictures of the classroom and staff etc. Double check if there are any available on the school website. If there isn’t a full social story you may find enough school images to create your own very rough version, or email the SENCO/admin if you have any concerns, our SENCO is available all year round for queries and staff will generally be back prior to the school officially reopening so they may be able to provide one at short notice.

Enjoy the time you have left

I’ve seen lots of people stress over whether they’re prepared enough for the start of the school year, or whether their children are prepared. Instead of worrying, enjoy the time you have left, you’ll be amazed how much your child learns just from being out and about and spending time with you, every moment is a learning opportunity, and creating well rounded children is all we can ask, then when they’re actually at school staff will work with you to work on the rest. They really are only children once.