How To Support Your Child as they move to Secondary School

I’m Mr Whoriskey and I have recently joined Cheadle Hulme School as Head of Lower School. What drew me to CHS was not only the stunning learning environment and facilities, but also exemplary behaviour and attitudes of the pupils, coupled with the very experienced, welcoming and knowledgeable staff. Additionally, coming to understand the day to day running’s of the school and getting involved with the huge amounts of extra co-curricular activities that take place here is something that stands out at CHS.

As Head of Lower School, I will be one of the first points of contact for your child when entering Year 7. I’ll be on hand to provide pastoral support, to help your child towards academic success and to help ensure your child enjoys their experience in the Lower School and beyond. From experience, we know that transitioning into secondary school marks a significant phase for your child – a time for developing independence, acquiring new skills, and personal growth.

Each year, new Year 7 students throw themselves into new experiences, make new friends, discover new passions/interests and navigate a much larger school site. Your support as parents/carers becomes essential in navigating this exciting yet daunting transition. So to help both your child and yourselves in this transition, I’ve created this handy guide to ensure a smooth adjustment for everyone involved.

Be organised!

At CHS we try to make it as simple as possible to sign up to all the information thrown your way. This not only simplifies your life but also reassures your child that you’re on top of school information, which will put their mind at ease. Naming belongings together proves invaluable. Inevitably, items go missing from time to time and during the first few weeks this can be stressful. By labelling their belongings, you can reduce long-term stress and ensure items find their way back to your child.

Start a routine early

Establishing a routine provides a sense of security and readiness for the change ahead. Expect your child to be exhausted in the initial week, and so making a structured routine is essential for their mood and confidence. It’s a good idea to start this before they begin school, so they are already used to the structure and in the habit of going to bed early.

Encourage independence

Encouraging independence during this transition is crucial. Gradually introduce more responsibilities, such as managing their uniform or even popping to the local shop. These small steps empower them and show a real change in attitude and confidence.

Engage in their new interests

One approach to easing this transition is to actively engage in and support their newfound interests. Embrace these interests alongside them and consider trying out activities together at home. 

Emotional support

We know transitioning to secondary school can evoke emotional challenges. Together, we’ll work with you to reassure your child at every step of the way. Our pastoral team, form tutors, and teachers will work together to address any concerns your child might encounter, ensuring a nurturing and empowering environment.

It is also important to display confidence in your child’s abilities; they often seek comfort and guidance from their parents. Be attentive to their questions, actively listen, and provide guidance throughout this journey.

If you have any questions about the transition into Cheadle Hulme School, please don’t hesitate to contact us at enquiries@chschool.co.uk. If you would like to learn more about CHS, take a look at our prospectus here.

Matt Whoriskey
Head of Lower School at CHS