Q: What is the primary2secondary transition support programme?

A: This online programme helps children and their parents/carers prepare for the move from primary to secondary schools. It provides simple, practical advice on all the practical aspects, such as choosing and applying for a school, travel, homework, discipline and more.

It also provides extensive advice on how children and parents/carers can work together to become emotionally prepared for the change. The programme has lots of videos, Top Tips, information sheets, and activity sheets for children. It's the only programme of its kind in the UK.

Q: Why do we need this programme

A: Major changes can be very unsettling for many children. And all the evidence shows that the move from primary to secondary school is one of the biggest changes many children will face. Primary school has usually been fairly small, in classes with friends all day, the same teacher all year…

And then EVERYTHING changes! Some kids struggle with practical issues, such as fear of travel, fear of losing friends, and MANY more concerns. And it's stressful for parents too. Worry about choosing the best secondary school for their child, worries about safety and learning, so much more…

Again, evidence shows that many children who are doing really well in Year 6 suddenly take a big dip down and their behaviour and learning drops dramatically in Year 7. And the fears, anxieties and bad experiences can trigger mental health problems that persist.

So, we need to manage the move to secondary school ACTIVELY. We can't just leave it to chance and hope it will work out OK. By actively working with your child and removing those fears, you can help your child enter secondary school as a knowledgeable and confident child, ready for opportunities. But many parents ask, "What might my child be worried about?" and "What should I do?". That's where the primary2secondary programme can help.

And the end result? Both you and your child can be confident that you've planned and prepared for the move, that your child has a positive outlook and that Year 7 will be great!

Q: Who is this programme for?

A: This is designed for children entering Year 6 and their parents/carers. It covers mainstream schools and has a section for SEN children too.

Q: Who developed this programme?

A: Sue Atkins and Jo FitzGerald come from an education background, and both have been deputy headteachers. Sue Atkins is one of the UK's leading parenting experts, appearing on Disney Junior UK, BBC Radio, and ITV's 'This Morning'. Her Facebook group 'Don't Stew – Ask Sue Atkins' helps and advises parents with all things parenting. Check her out on Instagram at 'sueatkins18'.

Jo is an author, and an instructor for Mental Health First Aid England, delivering courses on all aspects of youth and adult mental health.

In total, Sue and Jo have six children, so they have 'been there, done that'!

Q: When should I start this programme?

A: To get the most from the programme, the best time to start is at the beginning of Year 6. This is when you need to research and choose a secondary school for your application. The programme covers that process in detail.

But the following modules of primary2secondary are incredibly useful, even if you join after you have submitted your application. In these modules, we cover areas such as friendship, safety, positive mindset, travel, homework, and MUCH more. So, it's never too late to join the programme.

Q: When does the programme finish?

A: The primary2secondary programme goes right through Year 6 and through the first term of Year 7. So you get support all the way through the transition process.

Q: Where can I access this programme?

A: The primary2secondary programme is made available through your child's school. They will write to you with details on how to access the programme, and will supply you with a unique code that allows you to use the entire programme for FREE!