There are practical matters to attend to as children prepare to move on to new schools, alongside a quieter but equally important task: ensuring that the relationships built over many years are honoured, strengthened and, where possible, sustained.

This period is about more than simply finishing. It is about how things are brought to a close; and the lasting impact that has on a child’s wellbeing, both now and as they navigate the many transitions that lie ahead.

There is an art to ending things on the right note. At its heart lies the desire to leave relationships intact and to depart with a clear sense of one’s place within a community. To be remembered, and to remember others, with warmth, respect and gratitude provides a powerful emotional foundation for the future. 

For young people, these experiences are formative. Ending well reinforces a sense of belonging and self-worth, while also equipping them with the emotional awareness and resilience needed to approach change with confidence rather than apprehension. 

Times of transition naturally invite reflection. I am reminded of a school trip to Belgium, where pupils were given the opportunity to explore a period in history when the world looked very different. The themes that emerged (the misuse of power, a rise in nationalism, and a relentless focus on winning at all costs) served as a stark reminder of what can happen when human connection is lost. 

The consequences of these forces remain etched on the landscape. When the desire for power overrides the importance of valuing one another; of loving our neighbour as ourselves, things can quickly fall apart. 

W.B. Yeats captured this sense of disconnection in The Second Coming, written in the aftermath of the First World War. His image of the falcon no longer hearing the falconer speaks to a breakdown in guidance and relationship; a world where connection has been lost. 

And yet, in contrast, within every child lies the capacity for something far stronger: deep connection, loyalty, kindness, compassion, and the ability to challenge others positively. These qualities are the foundation of healthy relationships and flourishing communities. They remind us that how we treat one another matters, particularly at moments of transition. 

As children approach the end of their time in one school or setting, they may experience a wide and sometimes unpredictable range of emotions. 

Some feel ready, even eager, to move on, excited by the prospect of new opportunities and fresh challenges. Others may feel a genuine sadness, uncertain about what lies ahead and unsure how to navigate the change. There are also those who appear entirely composed, perhaps even indifferent, only to find that the reality of leaving catches them off guard later, often when the structure of term time disappears and a sense of belonging temporarily fades. 

All of these responses are entirely normal. They reflect a pattern that will recur throughout life. Transitions, whether in education, work, or relationships, often carry emotional weight. Supporting children to recognise and accept these feelings, rather than ignore or suppress them, is an important part of safeguarding their wellbeing. 

While much will change, one thing endures: the relationships that have been built and invested in over time. These connections, whether with friends, teachers, or the wider community, form a lasting part of a young person’s identity. 

Ending well involves approaching this final period with care and intention. It may mean quietly putting things right where relationships have become strained, reaching out where there has been distance, or simply taking the time to express gratitude to those who have made a difference. It may also involve recognising that some relationships will not continue in the same way, and learning to say goodbye with sincerity and respect. 

In doing so, children develop a deeper understanding of empathy, responsibility and emotional maturity. They come to see that how we leave a place is just as important as how we arrive, and that their actions shape not only how they are remembered, but how they will remember themselves. 

This is not simply a time for looking back, but a moment to look forward with hope and purpose. The past need not be held onto with regret or nostalgia, but can instead serve as a strong and steady foundation for what lies ahead.

Craig Cuyler

Director of Wellbeing and DSL