After months of disruption and change for young people and children, with most having been out of school for a long period of time, they are bound to be feeling a mixture of emotions - from excitement to anxiety - as they prepare to return to school shortly. Parents and carers may also be experiencing similar mixed feelings as well as concerns about a return to a 'new normal' and the potential health risks. 

For those with learning needs, disabilities and autism and their parents/carers this time is likely to be even more overwhelming and anxiety-inducing as they may feel even more vulnerable and unsure about the forthcoming change to their routine. 

At Aspens we have a team of specialist support staff who work closely with children, young people and their families offering expert advice, guidance and help. Today we wanted to open up this specialist support up to our wider community with a virtual back-to-school themed day across our social media. 

Tasha and Hannah from our Family Specialist Support team will be offering their help and top tips for making a smooth transition back to school in two live Q & A sessions on our Facebook page (1 & 2pm). If you have any questions you'd like to ask them join in the live sessions and send them over, or if you'd prefer, you can send them as direct messages via our Facebook page. 

We'll be sharing videos with expert advice from our Aspens team on making the transition to secondary school and over on Instagram the Aspens kids are taking over today, as they share a light-hearted glimpse into how they're spending the last few days of the summer holidays. 

If you'd like to arrange a consultation or receive support from our Family Specialist Support team contact us at: [email protected] 

Further support, advice and helpful links around making the transition back to school can be found on this information sheet.

A helpful video with information about Covid-19 aimed at children and young people with learning needs, disabilities and autism can be viewed here. 

Transition pack - primary

Transition pack - secondary