When Summer Isn’t Easy: Supporting Young People Through Change and Uncertainty

As another academic year draws to a close, conversations naturally turn to summer holidays, sunshine and a well-earned break. For many families, it’s an exciting time filled with holidays, days out and a chance to slow down.

For many of the young people we support at Futures-Essex, however, the summer holidays can bring something very different.

For children and young people in Alternative Provision, routine is often far more than simply knowing what’s happening each day. Routine provides predictability, emotional safety and a sense of security. It helps reduce uncertainty and creates the conditions where learning, confidence and relationships can flourish.

When that structure suddenly disappears for six weeks, it can feel overwhelming.

For many neurodivergent young people, changes in routine can be particularly challenging. Everyday differences that others may barely notice can have a significant impact. Changes in sleep patterns, warmer weather, different sensory environments, unfamiliar places, disrupted routines and fewer opportunities for meaningful social interaction can all increase anxiety. Many young people also miss seeing the trusted adults who have become an important part of their support network.

Whilst some children have busy summers planned, others may experience long periods of isolation, uncertainty or worry about what comes next.

The Importance of Positive Transitions

Transition isn’t only about starting somewhere new.

It’s also about ending well.

For some of our young people, this summer marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as they move on to mainstream school, specialist provision, college or employment pathways. Whilst these are moments to celebrate, they can also bring mixed emotions. Leaving somewhere that has become familiar can feel just as daunting as starting somewhere new.

We believe positive endings matter.

Before the summer break, we spend time reflecting with our young people on how far they’ve come, celebrating the progress they’ve made and recognising the resilience they’ve shown throughout the year. These conversations help build confidence and allow young people to leave knowing they should be proud of what they’ve achieved.

A positive ending creates the foundations for a positive beginning.

Preparing Before the Holidays Begin

Supporting transition doesn’t start in September—it starts now.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been helping our young people prepare by talking through what September will look like, sharing timetables before the holidays and answering any questions they may have. Removing uncertainty wherever we can helps reduce anxiety and allows young people to enjoy their summer knowing what comes next.

Throughout the summer, we’ll also be keeping those important connections alive.

Our summer clubs provide opportunities to see familiar faces, maintain friendships and enjoy positive experiences together. We’ll also be offering wellbeing check-in phone calls home, giving families the opportunity to stay connected with members of staff who know and understand their young person.

Although the daily routine pauses, the relationships don’t.

Relationships Don’t Stop at the End of Term

At Futures-Essex, we know that therapeutic education is built on trust, consistency and relationships.

Those relationships don’t simply end because the school calendar says so.

Whether a young person is returning to us in September or moving on to their next destination, we want them to know they are supported, valued and remembered. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures—a familiar face, a reassuring conversation or simply knowing someone is thinking about them—that make the biggest difference.

As we wish all of our young people and families a restful summer, we also recognise that this season can feel difficult for some. If your young person finds transitions challenging, please know they are not alone.

We’ll continue to support them through every ending, every new beginning and every step in between.