Back-to-school checklist for families with disabled children

3 mins read

Tuesday 19 August 2025

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, we 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. So we understand that not everything here will be relevant to you. 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.

You can find information about all things school/education on our website.

If you need any additional information or advice in the meantime, our free helpline is 0808 808 3555 (Monday-Friday, 9.30am -5pm). Or you can browse all our online information and advice.

You can also find peer-to-peer support and connect with other parents in our Facebook community.