Here are some top tips for transition to Kelvin Hall 

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Secondary transition for parents: 6 ways you can help your child

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• Support them in becoming more independent. Don’t do everything for them! Let your child pack their own bag each night, plan which books they need to take each day, and learn which days they will need to take their food ingredients or PE kit.

• Show that you have confidence in them. Not every child will be worry free, so find the right time to talk anything through with them and agree that you will step in only if they need support.

• Practise the travelling-to-school drills. Many children will have to walk to school or negotiate buses on their own for the first time. Talking through some of the scenarios they may face, reminding them of how to keep safe and taking them on some dummy runs over the summer holidays is strongly advised.

• Make time to support learning at home. Homework in Year 7 is a big step up so be on hand with some calm support. Be prepared to lend a hand on the infamous ‘build a model of…’ type tasks. Timely and gentle support from parents undoubtedly helps kids learn and flourish.

• Be patient and prepared for a few tears. Your pre-teen may be a bit tired and emotional at times, so they will need you to be at your most understanding and unruffled. They will also need you to provide a fully-stocked fridge!

• Create a homework station. Make sure your child can easily access a computer (and ideally a printer), digital camera and craft materials. Organise a space at home specifically for your child to focus on study and store their not-inconsiderable number of books.

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Secondary transition for parents: 6 ways parents can help themselves

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• Take a deep breath and let go! More often than not your child will stroll into their new school without a backward glance and as if they own the place!

• Build your new social network. Go to all the new-parent events to chat with your child’s focus group tutor, meet members of the pastoral and leadership team, and swap notes with other parents. Their phone numbers and email addresses may come in handy when faced with homework confusion or lost property over the coming months. See if children going to the same school can meet during the holidays, to make friends and line up some everyday travel companions.

• Play your part in life at your new school. Being visible in school shows your child that you see education as important. Attending school concerts and sports fixtures helps with deepening your understanding of school life and making things better for your child and their peers.

• Build a bond with your child’s new school. Keep in touch online and take part in school consultations. Show your support at parent-teacher consultations – they probably won’t tell you, but your kids really appreciate this.

• Get organised. Parents can reduce the chance of a meltdown (theirs or their child’s) by putting time aside to rigorously fill out every form, arrange every payment, register for school communications, and sort out school uniform and other kit well in advance. 

• Keep well stocked. Label EVERYTHING and stock up on (the easily lost) pens, pencils, rulers, locker keys, watches, protractors and water bottles. Another top tip is to encourage your child to pack their bag (themselves) every evening from day one, to help avoid breakfast-time panic.

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To view the Hull Transition Good Practice Guide, please follow this link: https://www.howareyoufeeling.org.uk/transition-support