When my eldest son was starting school, I was incredibly emotional. I felt so nervous about the changes it would bring, and it just felt so‘ grown up.’ He didn’ t feel like a baby anymore. But of course, he was still my baby. Sending your baby off into the world of school can feel scary. This was many years ago, and I didn’ t know anyone else with a child starting school, so I felt like I was an anomaly. I felt like I was going to be the only mum shedding a tear at the school gates. Now, I share lots of writing around starting school time and I know from other parents’ comments that I was absolutely not alone in those feelings!

It’ s completely normal to feel a little nervous about this next step. Change can be hard, not just for your child but for you as well. Particularly if your child has additional or different needs, this can be such a challenging time and the transition from a nursery setting where you know they feel comfortable to a new place can be so overwhelming. I know that I felt so nervous for this time with my youngest child, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.

School is a big change, but I promise you that it can be such a positive one. You’ re going to be so proud when you hear about the friends your child has made, the kind things they’ ve done throughout their day, the pictures they’ ve drawn, the new things that they’ ve discovered that make them happy and the new experiences they’ ve had. With your love and support alongside the professionals they will meet on the way, they will find their feet and flourish.

I write a lot about the emotions that new beginnings can bring about for us parents and our children, and I want to echo some words I often say: we’ re all doing our best. Sending love and luck to you and your child as you set out on your new adventure, may it bring new kinds of happy memories together. The Be School Ready guide can help you take the first steps of this journey together. With helpful, practical tips and insights from other parents and experts, it offers you the advice you need to make the transition to school easier for both you and your child.

All children are unique and the guide is designed to tailor for all children and parents. Alongside the guide, you can visit the Be School Ready hub online and find resources and tips to help you along the way.

Kerri Cunnigham Murphy ' s Sketches

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4 PARENTKIND. ORG BE SCHOOL READY 2026