Our transition to SHS was a couple of years ago now (how time flies!!). School did quite a lot to help them settle in during the summer term & I know they have evolved it with COVID. Things like a visit from a teacher to DD primary school, a little bit of work to do to take with them on induction day, induction day with activities, a buddy , buddy chat to post questions to over the holidays etc.
In terms of stuff we did:
Mobile phone & made sure it had our numbers in. I also did an in case of emergency / battery dead in her rucksack.
Showed her where she would catch the bus from & get off at school & the return & where she needed to look out for to know her stop was coming up.
Get a bit more used to going somewhere on their own & being aware of their own surroundings- like to the post box / village shop / buying something
Encouraged her to get her own stuff ready when we were going out
Later on:
Pick a school bag - big enough to put all the stuff in! Able to withstand a lot. Made worse by no school lockers now.
All important pencil case / maths set / supply of stationery in the cupboard
LABEL everything to within an inch of its life....somehow DD managed to 'lose' her entire sports kit for about 3 weeks...I've now had her name embroidered large on the sports bag (as well as inside & on the kit)
I laminated a timetable for the kitchen where it was easy to see what was coming up & I could check initially that she had the right stuff with her...I also did a mini one for her blazer pocket
There's a lot to take in - so expect your DC to be tired. Getting lunch with a full school can be busy so having snacks / packed lunch can ease the pressure whilst they get used to everything.
Schools are expert at settling them in
