6.1. Explain how to support children and young people experiencing different types of transitions

This guide will help you answer 6.1. Explain how to support children and young people experiencing different types of transitions.

Transitions are significant changes or stages that children and young people go through. They can bring about feelings of uncertainty, excitement, or worry. These changes can be physical, emotional, intellectual, or social. Supporting children and young people during these stages is crucial for their well-being and development.

This guide explains how to support children and young people during various transitions. Understanding these transitions helps you provide appropriate support and encouragement.

Types of Transitions

Children and young people experience many types of transitions. Each type can have different impacts depending on the child’s age, temperament, and circumstances. Below are some common transitions:

Emotional transitions

• Examples: Bereavement, parental separation or divorce.
• These involve feelings of loss or change in relationships.

Physical transitions

• Examples: Moving house, changing schools, puberty.
• These involve changes to a child’s surroundings or body.

Intellectual transitions

• Examples: Progressing to a new class, starting nursery or school, transitioning to secondary school.
• These involve changes in how children learn and what they are expected to understand.

Social transitions

• Examples: Making new friends, joining a new group, dealing with bullying or social exclusion.
• These involve changes in relationships and interactions with peers.

Developmental transitions

• Examples: Becoming more independent, reaching milestones like learning to walk or talk.
• These involve emotional and physical growth over time.

How Transitions Affect Children and Young People

Transitions can affect behaviour, emotional health, and self-esteem. Children may feel excited but also uncertain or worried. Some may become shy, withdrawn, or exhibit challenging behaviours due to stress. Reactions depend on individual circumstances and previous experiences.

Children with additional needs, such as those with disabilities or who speak English as an additional language, may need extra support. They may take longer to adjust. Listen carefully to what they say or observe their behaviour to understand how they’re feeling.

Supporting Children and Young People Through Transitions

Providing the right support during transitions can help children and young people feel safe and confident. Here’s how you can help in different situations:

Supporting Emotional Transitions

Children experiencing emotional transitions, such as bereavement or parental separation, need understanding and reassurance. Here’s how to support them:

• Acknowledge their feelings: Let children express their emotions. You might say, “It’s OK to feel sad or confused.”
• Provide a stable environment: Consistent routines make children feel safer during uncertain times.
• Be a reliable adult: Maintain a positive, reassuring presence. Show that they can trust you.
• Offer age-appropriate explanations: When discussing topics like death or divorce, use simple language and only share what they need to know.
• Work with families: Speak to parents or carers about how you can work together to support the child.
• Professional help: Suggest counselling or support groups if needed.

Example: Parental Separation
A child whose parents are separating might feel angry, stressed, or confused. Encourage them to talk about how they feel. Offer consistent emotional support within the boundaries of your role. Remind them that they are loved.

Supporting Physical Transitions

Physical changes, like moving house or starting puberty, can bring uncertainty. Here’s how to help:

• Prepare them early: If the child is old enough, explain what’s going to happen. For younger children, use roleplay or books to explore the idea.
• Visit ahead of time: If moving or starting somewhere new, arrange visits to help them feel familiar with their new environment.
• Use tools to explain puberty: Age-appropriate books or workshops help children understand changes to their bodies.
• Promote positive self-image: Speak positively about the changes they’re going through.

Example: Starting Secondary School
Support them by visiting the school beforehand, meeting teachers, and exploring the timetable to ease the unknown. Acknowledge their worries and help them practise skills like organising their school bag.

Supporting Intellectual Transitions

New educational challenges can make children anxious about their abilities. Help them face these changes in positive ways:

• Reassure them about new expectations: Praise their past achievements to build their confidence for the next stage.
• Encourage a growth mindset: Help them understand that making mistakes is part of learning.
• Provide extra support: Some children may need extra help in understanding new learning material or adjusting to a new class culture.
• Communicate with teachers: Share information about the child’s learning needs or struggles if necessary.

Example: Moving to a New Year Group
Some children might worry about new teachers or harder tasks. You could say, “You’ve tried new things before and done so well. I know you can handle this.”

Supporting Social Transitions

Making friends and dealing with group dynamics can be challenging. Here’s how to support children and young people:

• Encourage inclusion: Create opportunities for them to join activities or meet others, like buddy systems or group games.
• Teach social skills: Model how to share, solve disagreements, and show kindness.
• Support conflict resolution: If bullying or exclusion occurs, help them find solutions. Alert relevant professionals if needed.
• Celebrate differences: If children feel different, highlight what makes them unique.

Example: Joining a New Group
Invite the child to join group activities and pair them with other children who are friendly and welcoming. Let them take their time to feel comfortable.

Supporting Developmental Transitions

Developmental transitions, like learning independence, can be exciting but daunting. Support them by:

• Encouraging independence: Give them small tasks to practise doing things on their own.
• Celebrating milestones: Praise their efforts and achievements.
• Setting clear boundaries: Let them know you’re still there for support when needed.

Example: Learning to Walk
When a toddler is learning to walk, offer support by holding their hand and rewarding their attempts with praise.

Working With Families

Families are a child’s main source of support. Work closely with them to help children through transitions. This could mean:

• Sharing strategies to support the child’s confidence.
• Providing advice and reassurance to parents.
• Keeping the family informed about how the child is coping.

Some families may face barriers, such as language differences or uncomfortable personal circumstances. Show sensitivity when discussing their child’s needs.

The Role of Key Adults

Key adults, like teachers, carers, or support workers, are crucial. Being a steady and caring figure helps children feel secure. Always monitor their behaviour for signs of distress and respond with kindness.

Key adults can help by:

• Building trusting relationships.
• Observing changes in behaviour or mood.
• Planning ahead and preparing children for transitions.

Recognising Signs That Extra Support Is Needed

Some children may need more than general support. Watch for signs like:

• Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
• Withdrawing from social interactions or activities they enjoy.
• Aggressive or oppositional behaviour.
• Difficulty concentrating or coping with daily routines.

Raise these concerns with other professionals like SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) and follow your safeguarding policies.

Final Thoughts

Supporting children and young people through transitions takes patience and understanding. Each child reacts differently to change, and some may need more time or help than others. Your role is to reassure them, help them adjust, and show that change can be managed. Always observe their behaviour, listen to their concerns, and involve families where necessary. Small gestures of encouragement and care can make a significant difference during times of change.