Back to School: A Soft Start Toolkit for SEND Pupils

A gentle, practical back-to-school toolkit for SEND pupils - countdown chart, visual timetable, worry worksheet, calm pass & more. Whole-school, subject-free.

What’s inside (10 pages):

• 5-Day Countdown Chart - a visual lead-in to the first day back
• Blank Visual Timetable Template - symbol-free, so you can add your own AAC set (Widgit, PECS, Boardmaker) or photos
• All About Me — a gentle, low-pressure getting-to-know-you sheet for a new teacher or TA
• My Worries and What Helps — a tick-box worksheet for pupils who find open writing hard
• Feelings Check-In Scale — a simple 4-point scale for daily emotional check-ins
• My Calm Space Pass — 3 printable, laminate-ready exit cards
• Staff Quick-Reference Sheet — sensory and communication preferences at a glance
• “I Made It!” First Week Certificate — a positive close to a big first week

Why it works:

Transitions can be one of the hardest parts of the school year for SEND pupils. This pack breaks the return to school into small, predictable, low-demand steps - no lesson planning required, ready to print and use from day one.

**Format: **PDF, A4, print-ready
**Created by: Anna Kachakova, MA Special Education (RQF Level 7, UK ENIC verified), SEND Specialist