Starting School

Your child starting school is both an exciting and terrifying experience as a parent.

You are excited for all the adventures that are to come, but equally terrified, will they make friends, how will they get on with their new teacher and adapt to school life.

We take a look at ways to help you and your child transition into school life. Encourage independence Your child will be expected to be able to know the basics of how to look after themselves.

Can they go to the toilet on their own and clean themselves.

Can they easily put on their coat and dress themselves as they may need to be able to do this for PE.

Are they able to use a knife and fork at lunchtime.

Talk about their new school As soon as you know which school your child is going to, start talking to them about it.

If they haven’t seen the school already then at least walk past so they know what to expect, talk about their teacher and the type of things they will do at school.

It is likely you will be sent an information pack prior to your child starting and your child may also be invited into school prior to starting in September.

Talk positively about their new school and keep any anxieties you have to yourself; you want them to really look forward to this next stage. School uniform Buy their new school uniform together and make it fun.

Get them to try it on and take photos to show your family, but don’t buy too early as your child may have a growth spurt before they start school.

Before they start, make sure they are comfortable with their uniform and think about getting elasticated waist trousers or skirts to make it easier for them to take on and off.

It may also be worth adding a larger loop to their coat and jumper or cardigan, so it is easier for them to hang up on their peg.

Let them choose their water bottle, lunchbox and bag, if there is a choice and get everything ready together.

Make sure your child gets use to wearing their school socks and/or tights and shoes beforehand as after a summer of wearing just crocs or sandals, having to wear socks and stiff school shoes can really throw a nervous child on a school morning. Do a recce Practice the school run prior to September, so both you and your child know what is expected and where they need to be.

You could also make a simple timetable using pictures showing your child what they need to do before they get ready for school, so they know what to expect. Know their name Make sure your child knows their name and what it looks like and can recognise it when placed with other names to help them identify their peg and tray easily. They will most likely have a photo or an animal next to their name too to help them identify it, but if they know it and even better can spell it then this is one less thing to worry about. Enjoy The transition from nursery to school is huge, but it does not need to be scary. Enjoy this time with your child and the excitement that goes with it. When it is time for them to go to school, be positive and say a quick goodbye before sending them off with their teacher and save any tears until they are out of sight and look forward to hearing about their first day when they get home.

Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/collections/starting-primary-school/.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/how-to-prepare-your-child-for-primary-school

Your child starting school is both an exciting and terrifying experience as a parent.