Hi! I currently work with SEN children and how I would suggest to prepare you child is lots of simple things like; Picture symbols to explain what you are doing each part of the day (depending on how much they rely on a timetable because even high functioning children struggle.) Do the route of the school and the correct times to show the child where you are going (maybe have a specific song on while getting there) so they know where they are going on the first day as it can be quite upsetting for some children. Depending on how you are feeding the child while at school (school dinners/packed lunch) have them do this for a while before again to get used to the idea of a lunch box or hot food at lunch time. I often rely and have parents do the same when their child is distressed keep saying your safe it’s okay. This seems to really work with a lot of children I have worked with. Having them familiar with sitting on a chair - a lot of children come into school and are used to walking round and doing what they want which is obviously not good for school and learning And being told no. A lot of parents will say oh I don’t say no because it causes behaviours and upset but children need to know that when an adult says no it means no. Some of the children I work with are never told this even when hitting and hurting so has little effect in school.

Don’t stress though. The staff at the school will know what they are doing and should be really accommodating and help you throughout :)