Helping your child with school transitions

Whether your child is starting school for the first time or returning for the start of the new term, it can be a time when they feel some nerves or anxiety. Transitions in their school life often mean starting new routines, spending less time with people who are familiar to them, like friends and family and being challenged in new ways.

Although their feelings of uncertainty may go away as they get used to their new school routine, you can help your child prepare for the new school year before it starts. This guide outlines how you can support them as they hit new milestones in their academic life.

It doesn’t matter whether your child is starting at nursery, primary or secondary school, you can visit their school ahead of the term to allow them to familiarise themselves with their new environment. ¹

Schools hold open days at different times in the year. You can arrange to attend, meet the teaching staff and view classrooms. This can help you understand what your child’s life at school might be like and help them to develop some excitement about the year ahead.²

Schools will also hold transition days to give your child a chance to experience time in the school environment. ²

You can help your child understand their responsibilities for the year ahead and get them used to their school journey by practising it in the weeks before they are due to start school.¹

You might need your child to set their own alarm, have their uniform ready for the day or pack their bag, before they start their journey to school. Giving them the chance to have a few trial runs can help build their confidence and give them opportunities to demonstrate independence. To help them establish their independence, you can:

• Ask them to have their school bag, PE kit or instruments packed near the front door.
• Put their coat and shoes on themselves.
• Have their bus, tram or train passes in an easy-to-find location.¹

Getting your child to try on their uniform can help them adjust to the expectations that their school will have of them.¹

If you need support with the cost of buying uniforms, there is help available. The government published guidance to ensure that parents have access to affordable uniforms. This includes second-hand uniform and non-branded items of clothing.³

Your child’s school will issue information or policies on second-hand uniform schemes. They should let you know about them before the term starts.³

Some local authorities provide circumstance-based grants to help people with the cost of uniforms. You can check with your local council to find out if this might be available in your area.³

When your child finally starts school, try to make time each day to talk to them about it. You can talk to them about it on the drive home or at dinner time. This can help you understand how your child is settling into their new environment and help you identify any potential issues that might be developing. ¹

These conversations can help you create opportunities to support your child with encouragement and reassurance. If you think the issues they have raised need to be addressed by a professional, you can always schedule time to talk to their teachers or healthcare professionals who can help you with your child’s wellbeing. ^1,4

School anxiety is a type of fear or anxiety that some children face because of school-related stress. There are lots of reasons for it. Friendships, relationships with teachers and bullying are only some of the triggers. ⁵

Because of the emotional distress it causes, you might notice that your child complains about having a stomach ache or headache before school. They might refuse to go altogether. ⁵

Speaking about it with them and listening to their concerns can help you develop solutions together so that they can return to school feeling confident. You can also talk to their school or GP about it if it becomes a regular or severe problem.

Starting a new school or entering a new school year can be an exciting time. Talking to your child about the new experiences they will have and their can help them feel less anxious.⁴