1. Enjoy the break together
First things first: this week is for rest and fun. Your child doesn't need to "catch up", and neither do you.
Many children use the first few days of a holiday to unwind after working so hard at school. Let them have the quiet time, the cosy days and the favourite activities that help them feel calm and happy. Some of the best family memories are made on lazy half-term mornings.
It's also a lovely chance to notice what brings your child joy. Those passions and strengths are worth sharing with school, because they can be a powerful way to help your child engage and shine.
2. Celebrate the wins
Once everyone has had a breather, grab a cuppa and a notebook and think about the past seven weeks:
• What has your child enjoyed or achieved this term, big or small?
• Which strategies, adjustments or members of staff have made a real difference?
• Is all the support in your child's EHCP or SEN Support plan up and running?
• Is there anything you'd like to talk through with school after the break?
Jotting things down with dates helps you see progress clearly, and it makes conversations with school easy and productive. If any support is still getting started, a friendly email after half-term is a great way to check in. Remember, the support in Section F of an EHCP is something your child is entitled to, so it's always fine to ask how it's going.
3. Build a strong partnership with school
The best outcomes happen when families and schools work together. After half-term, why not:
• Thank the staff who've made a difference. A short note goes a long way!
• Share what's working at home, and ask what's working at school.
• Let the SENCo know early if your child seems a little less settled or mornings feel harder, so you can find solutions together.
Small adjustments made early can make a big difference to how your child feels about school, and keeping a note of your conversations helps everyone stay on the same page.
4. Year 6 families: an exciting time of new beginnings
If your child is starting secondary school next September, this is an exciting time full of possibilities.
Without an EHCP: secondary school applications in England close on 31 October, so do check your local authority's website and submit in good time.
With an EHCP: you'll follow a different process. Your child's EHCP will be reviewed and updated to name their new school by 15 February. Now is a perfect time to visit schools, ask how they'd support your child to thrive, and get the annual review booked in. It's a brilliant opportunity to make sure the plan reflects how much your child has grown.
The same applies for Year 11s and young people moving into post-16 education, where the plan should be updated by 31 March.
5. Get ready for great annual reviews
If your child's annual review is coming up between now and Easter, it's well worth getting the date in the diary. Ask for reports to be shared at least two weeks beforehand so you have time to read them.
Annual reviews are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate progress, update outcomes and plan the next steps. Start gathering your child's views now. What do they love? What are they proud of? What would they like help with? Their voice is the most important part of the whole process.
A quick, reassuring word about SEND reform
Many families have asked me about the government's SEND reform proposals, published in February. Here's the good news...your child's rights under the Children and Families Act 2014 are exactly the same as they were. EHC needs assessments, EHCPs, annual reviews and appeals all work just as before. Based on the government's own timetable, no changes to existing EHCPs are planned before at least September 2030.
It's also heartening to see how many families, young people and charities have shared their views during the consultation. Our community's voice really is being heard. If you'd like to add yours, writing to your MP is a great place to start.
In the meantime, you can feel confident using all the rights and support available to your child today.
Look after yourself, too
You are your child's best champion, and that's something to be proud of. Make sure you take some time for yourself this half-term as well. If you'd like support, I'm always here to help.
Enjoy the autumn leaves, the cosy evenings and maybe a sneaky bit of Halloween chocolate.
Happy half-term!