Supporting a Smooth Return to School

September for many brings the back to school flurry of activity with shiny new shoes, packed lunches and excitement to see new and old friends in the playground but for many families, returning to school can bring.

We caught up with Jo Wilkins and the care managers at Bus & Co Care Solutions to find out how they helped children and families prepare for ‘Back to School’ season.

What needs to be considered by the Care Team when a child is returning to school?

Structure and routine are essential for any child returning to school but for those with additional needs such as Autism or sensory sensitivities, these considerations become even more critical. The care team must assess the child’s emotional and practical needs, especially if the child is starting a new year with unfamiliar classmates or moving to a different school altogether.

In one recent case, a client’s family had moved house over the summer holidays, meaning the school journey was now different. To ease the transition, the family and support workers trialled the school run several times to create familiarity. It’s small steps like these that can make a big difference.

When a child returns to school, the team must also consider any potential changes to working hours, challenges in behaviour due to a shift in routine and how communication will work between school staff and support workers. Tools such as a handover diary or apps like Dojo are often helpful for coordination and monitoring daily progress.

Returning to school is a major change and shifts in routine can sometimes result in changes in behaviour. It’s crucial care teams have plans in place to manage any behavioural changes, whether positive or negative. For example, updating or implementing a behaviour risk assessment may be necessary if the child’s emotional state has shifted during the holidays. Similarly, the entire care team must be informed on how to respond to these changes to ensure continuity of care.

The care team must also consider how the child returning to school affects the entire family. Are additional morning or after-school support hours needed? Has enough preparation been done over the summer to ease the child back into the school routine? And finally, though often overlooked, transport is another key consideration for a seamless transition. Who will be responsible for the school run and are support staff members helping the family in anyway?

How do children and families feel about the Return to School?

For many children, returning to school brings a mix of emotions. Some feel excitement about seeing friends and resuming routine, while others may feel nervous. The care team’s role is to support families through this transition, helping the child adapt to the change in pace and environment.

From speaking with families, we’ve heard that some are relieved when their children return to school, especially in homes with multiple siblings. While parents may feel a sense of guilt, it’s entirely normal to need time to recharge after the demands of the summer holidays, both mentally and financially.

To ease these anxieties, we suggest families explore new activities during the holidays and use handy tools like the ‘Changing Places’ app, which helps find accessible locations with suitable changing facilities for children with additional needs. Keeping each day engaging can help maintain a sense of adventure, something all children should experience.

How do school holidays affect the family and routine?

School holidays often mean increased care hours, rising costs and more support staff around the home. While some families have the freedom to ignore routine completely during breaks, due to essential needs like medication, personal care and daily living goals, for our clients there are certain routines that even holidays cannot change.

Care managers play a vital role in this period by reviewing rotas and ensuring that the return to school is reflected in the staff schedule. They also communicate with parents and support workers to make sure everyone is on the same page with regards to changes to the child’s schedule, care plan or medication needs once school resumes.

It’s all about ensuring that the whole team is prepared for the changes that come with the return to school, helping families feel supported every step of the way.

What do our Care Managers do to support a Return to School?

Our care managers are always on hand to ensure the smoothest possible return to school for the children in our care. Whether it’s lending a listening ear or helping families implement practical changes, their support is invaluable.

Care managers are also responsible for reviewing schedules and adjusting plans to reflect the fact the child has returned to school and ensure the staff team are able to facilitate the changes made. This involves taking into consideration changes made to medication administration and feed plans due to the change in routine. Ensuring the relevant professionals been contacted to put changes in place.

Finally, care managers work closely with parents and schools, so that the child’s needs are fully communicated and supported in the school environment. From emergency medication bags to ‘All About Me’ fact sheets, our team help ensure nothing is overlooked.

What is the role of the Support Workers?

Support workers are at the heart of the child’s daily routine and their role during the return to school is vital. They follow the child’s care plan, risk assessments and offer encouragement to ease the transition back into the school environment. In many cases, support workers start introducing elements of the ‘back to school’ routine before term begins, helping children adjust gradually.

For one of our clients transitioning into sixth form, the support workers played a crucial role in helping him adapt to the new surroundings and changes in support staff. Their dedication ensured that this significant shift was exciting and as seamless as possible for the young person.

By maintaining close communication with both the care manager and the family, support workers ensure that the child is emotionally and practically prepared for the school day - ready to thrive in their learning environment.

A united front

At Bush & Co Care Solutions, we understand how crucial it is to support children and young people as they transition back to school, particularly when they have additional care needs. We work closely with care teams to ensure that every aspect of a child’s return to school is carefully managed, reducing anxiety for both the child and their family. Every child deserves access to education and learning and at Bush & Co Care Solutions we know that an integrated care team and a can-do approach can ensure that.