Hi Sammy, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am Sammy, and I am 11 years old. I live with my mum and dad and my little sister Hannah in Gosport, which is in the south of England. I like gaming and watching YouTube, and I’m really good at remembering facts about games. My dad is in the Navy and my mum looks after my sister. I don’t really like loud places, but I like being at home where it’s quiet.
How do you feel about your dad being in the Navy?
Sometimes it’s okay, and sometimes it’s not. When he’s home, it’s really good because he helps me with things and understands me. When he’s away, I worry more and get upset more easily, even if I don’t say it. I don’t like not knowing exactly when he’s coming back. Mum says it will be fine, but my brain keeps thinking about it anyway.
How are you settling into secondary school?
I went to look around the school, but it was really busy and loud. I like knowing where things are going to be, like the toilets and where I eat lunch. Mum talks to me about what the day might look like, and we practice getting ready in the morning. I’m trying to remember my timetable, but it’s hard because there’s lots of different lessons.
What do teachers do to help you at school?
I went to look around the school, but it was really busy and loud. I like knowing where things are going to be, like the toilets and where I eat lunch. Mum talks to me about what the day might look like, and we practice getting ready in the morning. I’m trying to remember my timetable, but it’s hard because there’s lots of different lessons.
What were you worried about with your new school?
I was worried about getting lost and being late, and I was scared about who to sit with at lunch. I also worried that teachers wouldn’t understand me and might think I was being naughty when I wasn’t — I’m just trying to cope. I would have liked my dad to see my new school, but he was away when I went to look around it.
Sammy's advice
Sammy also shared a few things he thinks might help other Navy children with SEND who are starting secondary school.
Tell the school if your parent is away
If your mum or dad is deployed, school should know. Things can feel harder when they’re not home, even if you can’t explain why. It helps when teachers understand that.
Try to keep routines the same at home
When Navy life changes a lot, having the same bedtime, morning routine, or after-school plan really helps. It makes school days feel more predictable.
Ask who you can go to when things feel too much
When a parent is away, worries can build up quickly. It’s important to know which adult at school you can talk to if you feel overwhelmed or upset.
It’s okay if you don’t feel ready straight away
Starting secondary school is a big change. Doing it while your family life changes too can take longer. That doesn’t mean you’re behind — it just means you’re adjusting.
Remember it’s not your fault
If you feel tired, worried, or more emotional when a parent is away, that’s normal. Having SEND and being a Navy child can make things feel bigger — but it’s not because you’re doing anything wrong.
Other stories you might like
