ND Experiences UK Presents: 'T for Transitions' – Focus on Primary to Secondary Transition

ND Experiences UK

Rosie, the founder of ND Experiences UK is dedicated to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and providing support for the neurodivergent community. Diagnosed with Audhd, she advocates and educates based on her lived experience. She is working alongside other neurodivergence experts to deliver workshops for parents and professionals, helping them gain a deeper understanding of their young people and how to navigate the education system and the support available.

Guest Speaker: Kirsty Greenwood, Founder of 'T' for Transitions

Key Focus of This Event:

This session will focus specifically on the transition from primary to secondary school, a major and often challenging shift for young people, especially those who are neurodivergent.

Kirsty Greenwood, an expert in supporting these transitions, will share valuable insights and practical advice aimed at parents and carers to help them understand how best to support their child during this critical time.The period between Terms 5 and 6 (April-July) is crucial for preparing your child for this transition, giving families ample time to process emotions, gather necessary information, and build tools to ensure a smoother entry into secondary school.

Kirsty’s Lived Experience & Specialism:

Kirsty Greenwood is a highly experienced SEN Advocate with a specialism in educational transitions, working both within the local authority and supporting families privately. Her deep expertise in guiding young people through the transition from primary to secondary school is rooted in her professional work as well as her personal experience as a parent.Kirsty has spent years supporting families and young people, drawing on her extensive background working with the Local Authority and delivering strategic support through the Attendance and Behaviour Team, moving over to the Transitions Team.

Her work focuses on ensuring that young people, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or neurodivergent traits, have a successful transition between educational phases.Through her private practice, Kirsty continues to guide families through the complexities of the EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan) process, ensuring that young people receive the tailored support they need to thrive.Kirsty’s passion is grounded in the belief that effective and thoughtful transitions—such as the crucial move from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3—can set young people up for long-term success, both emotionally and academically.

What to Expect:

Vertical Transition: The move from primary to secondary school is considered a vertical transition, meaning it’s one of the most significant shifts in a young person’s life. It’s often a time when they leave behind established support systems, including trusted adults and routines, and must start anew. For many, this can be a difficult and overwhelming process, which is why proper preparation and support are essential.

Practical and Emotional Guidance: Kirsty will guide parents and carers through both the emotional and practical elements of this transition, including:

The emotional challenges young people may face as they leave behind familiar support networks in primary school.
How to ensure that the necessary support, such as accommodations or strategies from a Pupil Passport or One-Page Profile, is carried over to secondary school.
The importance of preparing your child early (during Terms 5 and 6) to manage the transition effectively, and what steps to take before and during the summer holidays to ensure they are ready.

Summer Workshops for Young People:

In addition to the event for parents and carers, Kirsty and Rosie will be running workshops specifically for young people to support them in making the transition to secondary school. These workshops will help build confidence and awareness for the challenges ahead.Each session will focus on one of the following important topics to support the young person’s transition:

All About Me – Understanding personal strengths, needs, and what makes each individual unique.
Resilience and Problem Solving – Learning how to overcome setbacks and challenges with confidence, using problem-solving techniques to navigate new situations.
Friendship – Exploring how to make and maintain positive friendships in secondary school.
Emotion Regulation – Learning techniques to manage emotions and stress, particularly in new and overwhelming situations.
Positive Thinking – Building a positive mindset to cope with challenges and setbacks.
Goal Setting – Setting realistic goals and learning how to achieve them step by step.

These sessions will empower young people by giving them the tools to thrive in secondary school and build the skills they need for a successful transition.

Parents and carers will have the opportunity to learn more about these workshops and how to sign up during the talk.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, 25th June
Location: 25 Beach Green, Shoreham Beach, BN43 5YG

ND Experiences UK: 'T for Transitions' - Primary to Secondary Transition