From Chaos To Calm

              Helping Your Child Stay Organised This School Year: Why Coaching Makes a Difference.

Here we are, one week in and although the start of a new school year can feel like a fresh page – full of opportunities – it can also feel overwhelming. New routines, teachers, and expectations can be exciting, but they can also place a lot of pressure on students. One of the most effective ways to help your child feel confident and capable is to build good organisational habits early, and to keep supporting them as the year progresses.

At Oakwell Education, we have seen how organisation can transform a student's experience at school. For those with additional learning needs, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or autism, it is especially important. With the right guidance, organisation becomes more than just remembering homework; it develops into a skill that helps them manage stress, build independence, and feel proud of their progress.

Getting organised at the start of term gives students a strong foundation. When they learn how to plan their time, break down tasks into manageable steps, use planners or colour-coded folders, and keep their school materials in order, they feel more in control and less anxious about what is coming next. For students with additional learning needs, these routines are particularly powerful. A clear system reduces the mental load, so they can focus on learning rather than worrying about what they might have forgotten.

Of course, organisation is not just something to think about in September – it needs ongoing attention throughout the year. Workloads grow, deadlines pile up, and priorities change. Without support, even the most organised students can struggle to keep up. Regularly reviewing timetables, adjusting study routines, clearing out resources, and reflecting on what is working and what is not working helps students to stay calm, motivated, and confident. It also shows them that organisation is a skill they can keep practising, not something fixed, and a skill that will carry them through life outside school.

This is where coaching makes a real difference. Coaching gives students structured guidance and encouragement, turning organisation into a habit rather than a constant struggle. For those with additional learning needs, the benefits are even greater. A coach can provide tailored strategies, practical tools like visual planners and checklists, and support in building essential life skills such as time management and prioritisation. Just as importantly, coaching helps students grow in confidence, because as they see their own progress, they begin to believe in themselves. Instead of being told what to do, they learn how to take ownership of their organisation, and that sense of independence stays with them for the future.

At Oakwell Education, we work alongside students to set up effective systems at the start of the year and keep refining them as the year goes on. For students with additional learning needs, this consistent, personalised support can be transformative – reducing anxiety, unlocking potential, and building habits that last well beyond school. Helping your child stay organised is about far more than neat folders or tidy desks. It is about giving them the tools to feel confident, independent, and ready to face challenges. With early routines, ongoing support, and the right coaching, your child can truly thrive both inside and outside the classroom.