Making the move from the security of the junior school where your child has been happy, often since nursery age, to Senior School, can be daunting as well as exciting.

Children are usually excited at the prospect of the opportunities that their new school offers but many are nervous or concerned (as are their parents!) over the major differences; from the sheer size of the senior school – will they be able to find their classrooms in time for each class, to wondering how they will cope with the school lunch arrangements, as well as concerns over managing the increased homework schedule.

When choosing the right senior school for your child, attention should be given to the standard of pastoral care provided which should include a transition programme focussing on the social and educational welfare of students and designed to ease any concerns reassuring both pupils and parents. Blackheath High School's holistic approach to learning focuses on ensuring that every pupil feels valued and this begins right from the child's first visit to the school.

For school's comprising both a junior and senior department, the transition programme of events can be implemented as early as Year 4 for children already at the school and should start from Year 5 for children attending other local schools.

When your child starts Year 5, find out whether any of the schools that you are considering for senior education offer the opportunity for your child to visit. Your chosen senior schools should have strong, established links with feeder schools and provide opportunities for children in Year 5 to visit the school and really experience what 'a day in the life of a Year 7 student' actually encompasses. Some schools offer Year 5 Taster Days where children can participate in a full day of lessons, attend assemblies and have lunch in the dining room with current pupils. This reassures them that senior schools are friendly places where they will feel welcomed.

Children sitting entrance exams should be given the opportunity to spend additional time at the school to help put them at ease prior to that fretful examination day. During our pre-exam visits we try to match our Year 7 helpers with Year 6 visiting girls from the same Feeder Primary School. Seeing a familiar face really helps to alleviate nerves whilst gaining more of an insight into senior school life.

Throughout the Summer term, parents and children should have the opportunity to attend their chosen senior school for social events, specifically for new Year 7 pupils such as weekend barbeques, where they will meet their new classmates and Form Tutors allowing friendships to develop and easing some of the common and understandable concerns children might have.

Most importantly, encourage your child to enjoy their summer holidays, give them the reassurance that they need to feel comfortable making the move and, rest assured, your child's senior school will be just as keen to settle them in happily as you are.

Lisa Laws. Head.
Blackheath High School GDST.