Summer 2026 teachers reveals wellbeing first approach dominates holiday planning

• Category: SEND digital transition and Wellbeing
• Published: 31 May 2026
• Author: Only for Teachers editorial team
• Reading time: 5 min read
• Topic: Summer 2026 teacher wellbeing and SEND preparation challenges

This report is based on original survey data collected directly from UK teachers through the Only for Teachers platform. All insights and findings are unique to our community.

52% of UK teachers say they haven't received clear guidance on implementing the government's new digital Individual Support Plans this September. As the summer holidays approach, teachers are prioritising wellbeing over academic continuity, with more than one in three planning to set zero holiday work.

Key findings at a glance

• 52% of teachers feel uninformed about transitioning SEND records to the new digital Individual Support Plans system
• 35% will take a 'wellbeing first' approach to summer transition work, setting zero academic expectations
• 47% rely on strict routine drills as their primary method for re-establishing classroom readiness in September
• 32% identify admin clearance as their top priority for feeling recharged before the summer break
• 39% believe oracy and expression skills will have the biggest impact on their classroom practice next year

How prepared are UK teachers for the government's new SEND digital transition?

The introduction of digital Individual Support Plans under the Every Child Achieving and Thriving white paper has left most teachers scrambling for information. 52% say they haven't received clear guidance on how their school will implement the new system, while only 1% report feeling highly prepared with data auditing already underway.

A further 25% describe themselves as 'cautiously optimistic', understanding the theory but waiting for platform training. 20% express concern about administrative 'double-handling' during the transition period. This echoes patterns from our previous surveys, where policy implementation consistently outpaces teacher preparation and school-level support.

The timing is particularly challenging, with the digital transition scheduled for September when teachers are already managing the complexities of new academic year preparation.

What approach are teachers taking to summer transition work?

The 'wellbeing first' philosophy has taken firm hold in UK classrooms. 35% of teachers plan to set zero academic work over the six-week break, prioritising a complete mental reset for both themselves and their students.

This represents a significant shift from traditional academic bridging approaches. 24% will provide optional, high-interest activities including podcasts and AI-interactive tasks, while 23% focus on essential skills to prevent the summer slide in core numeracy and literacy. Only 9% plan compulsory bridging units.

The data suggests teachers have learnt from previous years that student burnout and teacher exhaustion create more problems than academic gaps. This aligns with the government's recent emphasis on mental health in schools, though it raises questions about learning continuity.

How will teachers re-establish classroom readiness in September?

When it comes to the crucial first week back, 47% of teachers rely on immediate, strict adherence to classroom entry and behaviour protocols. This 'routine drill' approach dominates, suggesting teachers view structure as fundamental to successful transitions.

22% prioritise connection and community-building over curriculum delivery, while 17% start with high-engagement 'spectacle' lessons to build excitement. Notably, only 3% jump straight into baseline testing, suggesting a move away from data-first approaches in favour of relationship-building.

Looking ahead to next year, 39% believe oracy and expression skills will have the biggest classroom impact, reflecting the 2026 National Focus on verbal communication. 27% anticipate AI co-pilots for real-time differentiation and marking will transform their practice.

What do teachers need to feel recharged for September?

Teachers are clear about what they need in these final weeks. 32% want dedicated admin clearance time, while 28% prioritise collaborative planning sessions with their department or year team.

13% need physical classroom resets, and 11% want better handover conversations about their new students' specific needs. The emphasis on administrative relief and collaborative planning time reflects the ongoing workload pressures teachers face.

The data reveals a profession that has learnt hard lessons about sustainable practice. Teachers are choosing wellbeing over academic pressure, relationship-building over data collection, and structured preparation over rushed implementation. As schools prepare for another year of policy changes, from digital SEND systems to oracy priorities, teachers are focusing on what they can control: their own readiness and their students' emotional preparation for learning.

What's your experience with summer planning and the new SEND requirements? Share your thoughts and look out for next week's survey on your biggest back-to-school priorities.