A useful school note makes the next person’s job easier: it says what happened, what changed, and what helped. Start with the child’s way of communicating and the information that matters today.
Choose the information that needs to travel
The free school samples include a parent-to-school note and a school-to-home note. Agree with the team who will complete each one, where it will be kept, and when someone will read it. A communication sheet is most useful when it becomes part of a shared routine.
- Before school: Note sleep, appetite, the morning’s mood, and any change the team needs to know about.
- During the day: Record participation, communication, enjoyable moments, and the support used when something was difficult.
- At home: Read the school’s observations and add any context that could help tomorrow.
Write observations someone else can use
“Had a hard day” leaves the next person guessing. A more useful note might say: “The room became noisy during lunch. Sam covered their ears and pointed toward the door. A quieter space helped, and Sam returned when ready.” This is an example, not a description of any particular child.
Include successful moments, interests, and choices alongside concerns. Use the child’s own words or communication where possible, and distinguish what you observed from what you think it meant.
Prepare for a change in routine
The National Autistic Society suggests advance visits, information about unfamiliar people and places, and visual supports that show the complete sequence of a transition. Its guidance is written for families in England; local school procedures differ. Read the school transition guidance.
For your own handoff, ask who will greet the child, where their communication tools will be, and how the team will communicate an unexpected change. Record the agreed approach so it can be shared with substitute staff as appropriate.
Keep plans and daily notes connected
The sample pack also provides space for IEP contacts, important dates, and therapy communication. Use the school’s required systems for formal plans; the samples are additional organizational tools. For information about school rights and local support, visit the resource directory.