For the millions of parents and children about to tackle the return to school, it can be an exciting but tricky time of year, there’s always plenty to think about, new uniforms to buy, and school bags to dig out from the back of the wardrobe. Not to mention the sudden change from a perhaps more relaxed summer routine that can throw the whole family into chaos while things settle down again. Add into the mix additional needs and it can be extra challenging.
If your child has additional needs, you’re likely already prepared for the big return to school, but if not, we spoke to our Occupational Therapist, Sharon, for tips and advice for you to consider.
Make sure the school is aware if your child needs additional equipment
This could mean alerting them to the fact your child uses a mobility aid or that they may need to provide a specialist seat for them. It’s also helpful to let them know if your child needs access to an accessible toilet, so they know to keep them unlocked and ready for use.
If you’re looking for a new mobility aid for your child to help them get around, we have a variety available, from specialist wheelchairs like the Permobil K300 PS Junior Power Chair to Children’s Elbow Crutches, the Nimbo Posterior Walker 2G, and more.
Check the school access well ahead of their first day
Does your child use a walking aid or need extra time getting around? It’s an excellent idea to check out the school before your child’s first day back to make sure that they’ll be able to get around OK and without being hindered by obstacles the school may not have considered. This way, if there is anything, solutions can be discussed with the school before they start, rather than it being an unpleasant surprise on day one that something isn’t right.
Build a good relationship with their teachers
As the ones responsible for your child during the day, it’s important that teachers and support staff know about your child’s unique needs and can accommodate for these in their lessons. For example, knowing that they may need more frequent toilet access could be helpful in making sure they’re allowed to leave the lesson temporarily to use the facilities. It may also be useful to discuss any triggers for them that could cause changes in their behaviour, so their teacher can be aware of these.
Get things ready the night before
It’s easier said than done but being organised and preparing what they (and you) need for the next day can help to make the morning go much smoother, as you’re not scrambling around trying to find a lost shoe or critical piece of kit that’s suddenly gone missing.
Do they have everything they need in their pencil case? If holding pens and pencils is sometimes difficult for them, perhaps you may want to try the Pen Grippers. They’re designed to make holding a pen easier and more comfortable. If they’re likely to have homework, it may be worth considering something like the Write Angle Writing Slope, which could offer an easier surface for them to write on.
Get up a little earlier
Allowing for additional time in the morning can help to reduce any stressful moments, especially if you need to get to work as well as getting the child to school. Allowing for a little extra time in the morning can also help if back to school nerves are causing any issues as there’s a little less pressure to urgently get out the door.
Build a good routine and try and stick to it
For some, the structure and routine of the school week can be very reassuring. Taking the time to build a steady routine in the morning that works for the whole family can help make it easier on everyone, as you all know what needs to be done and when.
Consider using flash cards, if needed
Flash cards can be an extremely helpful way of communicating with your child and helping them to understand what needs to be done. The combination of pictures and words can be very helpful – especially if they’re not yet reading or have a lower reading comprehension. Providing good, clear instructions could help your child better understand what’s expected of them and save some of the stress of miscommunication.
Looking for further advice?
The Family Action Services in Nottinghamshire have some more tips that you may find useful during this time.
If you need help deciding on product suitability, we have a free Expert Advice Service where you can speak to an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant for more support. Simply call 03330 160 000, use live chat on the homepage, or fill in the form below and one of the team will get back to you.