School transition timeline – year 6

Moving to secondary school can be a big step for some children. It is an exciting transition but they may also be feeling a bit anxious about it.

Children with communication difficulties can find it difficult to understand the concept of time and benefit from predictability to help plan and manage transitions.

Therefore it is helpful to create a time line to show the key events that are happening in the lead up to when they finish primary school and start at secondary school. This will help them know when events are happening, what is happening, manage expectations and support their development of time concepts.

How do we use a transition timeline?

1. Choose a time when your child is calm and engaged to introduce and create their timeline.
2. It is up to you when you want to start your timetable. You could start it from the start of Y6 in September, January of Y6, April or May of Y6, last half-term on Y6 (this would be the latest recommended start time).
3. Write down a list of key events that are happening between the time you are starting the timeline to when they will start at secondary school.
4. Draw out a time line with the months on.
5. Stick the key events in order on the timeline.
6. Stick a copy of the timeline at home and at school somewhere that the child can see (at their eye level).
7. Keep referring to this timeline in the lead up to events, moving an arrow along so that your child knows where to look for the current time.

September to September timeline example