As the new academic year begins, many families are busy preparing uniforms, school bags and packed lunches. But for parents of disabled children, there’s often a lot more to think about before the first morning alarm.
To help make the transition smoother, Contact have put together a back-to-school checklist for the academic year about to begin, 2025/26. It covers everything from education support plans to transport, medical needs and sensory support.
Every child’s needs are different, and every family’s situation will be different. Use the checklist as a guide and adapt it to suit your family.
1. Education support plan
- Check that your child’s education support plan is fully up to date – each nation uses different types of plan.
- In England, has your school carried out an Annual Review and included you in the process?
- Does the plan still reflect your child’s current needs and support requirements?
2. Communication
Establishing clear communication with school staff early on can make a huge difference.
- Have you met or spoken with your child’s class teacher or other support staff?
- Do you know your main point of contact for the school year?
- Do you have the right phone numbers and/or logins for any school communication apps?
3. Medical needs
If your child has medical needs, ensure all arrangements are ready for the year ahead.
- Is their healthcare plan up-to-date?
- Is any medication in-date, labelled, and stored correctly at school?
- Are school staff trained to administer any specialist medication your child requires?
4. Transport
For families eligible for home-to-school transport, confirm arrangements before term starts.
- Has the local authority/council confirmed your child’s transport for the year?
- Do you know the pick-up/drop-off times and route?
- Are the driver and/or escort aware of your child’s individual needs?
5. Sensory & assistive tech/equipment
If your child uses things like sensory aids, communication devices or assistive technology:
- Check everything is working and ready for use, i.e. AAC devices, sensory toys.
- Label equipment and uniform items – to avoid loss or mix-ups.
6. First day prep
Help your child feel more confident and comfortable about the return to school.
- Is their uniform or clothing ready?
- Would a visual timetable or social story help with the transition?
- Can you talk through what will happen on the first day in a way they’ll understand?
- Start easing back into a term-time routine, including bedtime and mealtimes.
Click here for more information or to access additional advice.
