Blog - Supporting Parents Through the Year 7 Transition: Small Steps, Big Impact

I’ve been thinking about the last academic year – that big jump from primary school to high school. But selfishly, I’ve been thinking far more about parent’s experience. I work a lot with parents, and the transition to Year 7 can feel monumental. Supporting a child through this shift is not always straightforward, and it’s important that we recognise the emotional and practical challenges families face during this time.

As educators and professionals working with young people, we have a responsibility not just to support students, but to stand alongside their parents too. But in a meaningful and active way; because when parents feel equipped, connected, and heard, students benefit deeply.

Here are a few suggestions on how we can help families navigate Year 7 with confidence:

Normalise the wobbles
This is a year of rapid change—social dynamics shift, academic demands increase, and routines evolve. Let parents know that it’s okay (and common) for their child to feel unsettled at times. Open conversations and reassurance go a long way. Feeling anxious is a necessary feeling and one we can together learn to master.

Prioritise communication
A consistent, compassionate line of communication between school and home can ease anxiety and build trust. Whether through regular updates, drop-in sessions, or a quick phone call, small efforts to keep parents in the loop make a big difference. Parents can feel a bit cut out, it’s a world of difference between primary and secondary education, however I always support parents to work as closely as possible with their child’s teachers and support staff.

Offer practical tools—together
Support only works when it’s welcomed, relevant, and based on genuine collaboration. Before offering strategies or solutions, we need to listen. That means asking parents what works and what doesn’t with their child, what they’re already trying at home, and what kind of support they actually want. When we co-design practical tools with families—rather than for them—we build trust and tailor our support in meaningful ways.

See parents as partners
The expertise parents bring about their own children is invaluable. Invite their input, listen with curiosity, and co-create solutions wherever possible. The message should be clear: we’re in this together.

Transitioning to high school is a team effort. By backing parents with empathy and actionable support, we help create the steady foundation young people need to thrive.

Anji offers parenting counselling sessions direct to families. This supports parents in better understanding and communicating with their children. It doesn’t feel like ‘therapy’ and instead offers ways for parents to support themselves and their children through difficult stages, particularly the transition to year

To find out more, email enquiries@cfsocialwork.co.uk.