Supporting Emma's Transition to Senior School
Background:
*Emma was referred to Matrix to receive support through our year-long School Transition Programme. Emma’s mother reached out to me initially to express her concerns about her daughter’s anxiety regarding starting at Senior School, particularly related to fire alarms and drills. Despite her attempts to communicate these fears via email to the school, they had not yet received a response.
Initial Meeting:
During our first meeting, I was encouraged by Emma’s willingness to share her feelings. We discussed her concerns in depth, and I primarily focused on listening while providing reassurance. I emphasised that her feelings were completely normal and shared that many students, including my own sons, have experienced similar anxieties. Together, we explored practical coping strategies to help her manage her fears. I assured Emma that I would contact the Head of Year to ensure they were informed about her anxiety and specific reactions to fire alarms and drills.
Follow-Up Actions:
True to my word, I reached out to the Head of Year immediately after our meeting. Shortly after, I received a text from Emma’s mother expressing her relief. She informed me that the Head of Year had reached out to them and scheduled a meeting to discuss Emma’s concerns in detail before the school year began.
Meeting Outcome:
Following the meeting, Emma’s mother updated me that the discussion had gone exceptionally well. They developed a plan of action to address her needs, including a schedule for upcoming fire drills. Both mother and daughter felt reassured and optimistic, leading to a much more positive outlook for Emma as she prepared to start school.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the importance of open communication and proactive support for students facing anxiety. By addressing Emma’s concerns directly and collaborating with the school, we were able to create a supportive environment that eased her transition to senior school.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy
