Sensory Inclusive Schools

As the school year progresses, it’s never too early to start thinking about how to support students in their transition to the next academic year. Whether it's moving up a year group in the same school or making the significant leap from primary to secondary education, transitions can be challenging—especially for the 1 in 6 students with sensory processing differences. Schools can play a crucial role in easing this process by implementing inclusive strategies that benefit all learners.

The Challenge of Transitioning to Secondary School

Moving from primary to secondary school is one of the biggest transitions in a child’s educational journey. The shift from a familiar, structured environment with one main teacher to a dynamic setting with multiple subjects, teachers, and larger, noisier spaces can be overwhelming. For students with sensory differences, these challenges can be magnified, making careful planning essential.

A parent’s reflection highlights the importance of preparation:

“My son’s move to secondary school was incredibly stressful. His difficulty with organisation meant he often got lost and was late for lessons, leading to increased anxiety. If I could go back, I would have sought support earlier and worked closely with the school to ensure the right accommodations were in place.”

This experience underscores the need for proactive planning to ensure all students, particularly those with additional sensory needs, feel supported and ready for change.

Practical Steps for Schools to Support Transitions

1. Build Familiarity Early

• Arrange visits to the new school or year group well in advance.
• Use virtual tours, photos, and videos to help students understand what to expect.
• Introduce key staff members, such as the new class teacher or SENCO, through welcome letters or short videos.

2. Establish Predictability

• Provide visual timetables or transition booklets outlining daily schedules, key locations, and important contacts.
• Create a structured induction period where students can gradually adjust to new expectations.

3. Foster Organisation and Independence

• Teach and reinforce organisational strategies, such as using planners, colour-coded folders, and checklists.
• Offer practical tools, such as writing slopes, discreet fidget aids, or adapted seating arrangements, to support individual needs.

4. Encourage Emotional Wellbeing

• Develop peer buddy systems where older students support those transitioning.
• Train staff in recognising signs of sensory overload and anxiety, ensuring they provide appropriate interventions.
• Encourage relationship-based approaches to behaviour rather than rigid policies that may unintentionally disadvantage neurodivergent students.

5. Adapt Sensory Strategies for Older Students

• Recognise that students may become self-conscious about using sensory tools.
• Explore discreet sensory supports, such as pencil-top chews, small fidget keyrings, or ‘no-tool’ strategies like hand presses and stretches.

Creating a Culture of Understanding

Supporting transitions isn’t just about individual strategies — it requires a whole-school approach. Providing truly flexible support can make a world of difference.

Schools have the opportunity to reshape this experience, ensuring that no student is left to struggle unnecessarily. By embedding sensory-inclusive approaches into transition planning, we can create environments where all students can thrive regardless of their sensory needs.

Our Sensory Therapists are waiting to support your school in becoming sensory inclusive: book onto one of our great value Sensory Inclusive Schools training and support packages today.