Primary Setting
Building Confidence Before Transition
The Situation
A Year 6 pupil was becoming increasingly anxious about the move to secondary school. Their confidence had dropped, they were reluctant to speak in class and were beginning to avoid activities linked to transition. Home had also become increasingly concerned and raised those worries with the Deputy Head.
What BYND Did
BYND began a short, targeted intervention the following day, focused on confidence, social communication, managing uncertainty and practical transition preparation.
Sessions explored real-life situations the pupil was worried about, including navigating the school day, buying lunch, using public transport, managing money and handling new social situations. Likely challenges were worked through step by step, helping the pupil build practical strategies they could use independently.
Worries around friendships, fitting in and unfamiliar routines were explored and gradually reduced. Time was also spent helping the pupil recognise strengths, build self-belief and feel more prepared for the practical and emotional changes that secondary school would bring.
What Changed
By the end of the intervention, the pupil was speaking more openly about their worries, engaging more positively with transition activities and participating more confidently in class.
Home reported that the pupil was sleeping better, appeared noticeably less anxious and had moved from worrying about secondary school to actively looking forward to it. School staff also noted a more settled presentation and greater willingness to engage in conversations about the move ahead.
Reduced anxiety. Increased confidence.
Better prepared for transition.
The Result
Greater confidence, reduced transition anxiety and a young person who felt better prepared for the move to secondary school.
This case study has been anonymised and some identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality.