Every child is different. Some rush to the school gates from day one, and others take a little while to warm up to a new routine. No matter how they cope with change, you can do lots of things to prepare them for the start of school

Starting primary school is a big change in your child’ s life. They’ ll be leaving nursery or pre-school, saying goodbye to other primary carers, and there are lessons, classrooms and lots of new people to get used to.

Your child might be worried or upset. They might be excited or overstimulated. They also might not react the way you expect them to. While you can ' t predict how your child will feel, you can be there for them by having comforting conversations, keeping a strong and stable routine and by ramping up the positivity for this exciting new adventure.

There are no‘ good’ or‘ bad’ feelings

Emotions are a healthy part of life. By helping your child to describe their feelings rather than labelling them as‘ good ' or‘ bad’, they’ ll develop a better understanding of what they’ re going through

Boosting confidence

Fear can come from not knowing or understanding something, so familiarising your child with their school in the lead-up to their first day can help boost their confidence. Your child’ s school will arrange taster sessions, welcome meetings and tours before they start, but don’ t stop there. Go along to any events you can such as the summer fair, and as you walk around, talk about what goes on in the playground and classrooms( these events are great for picking up cheap second-hand toys and books too). If you have older children already at school, take your little one along to their open days and school performances.

If you know the name of your child’ s teacher, talk about them with your child so they become a recognisable figure in their day-to-day life.

Spark your little one’ s imagination by reading books about children starting school at bedtime or playing make-believe games about it 8 PARENTKIND. ORG BE SCHOOL READY 2025