Supporting Your Child’s Transition to School

The day has finally arrived – your child is about to begin their first full day at school.

While this is a significant developmental milestone for your child, it can also be a big step for you as a parent. Being prepared for what’s ahead can provide some much-needed support during this transition.

Skills to Support

Starting school is not just about entering a formal educational setting; there are several non-academic skills that will greatly benefit your child as they embark on this new chapter. Some of these essential skills include:

• Communication Skills: It’s important that your child can express their thoughts and feelings to those around them. Being able to ask and answer questions about their needs will also be important.
• Understanding Behaviour Expectations: Knowing what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour is key. Children who are aware of behaviour expectations are better equipped to navigate their new environment.
• Self-Regulation: At an age-appropriate level, being able to manage their emotions when things don’t go as planned is an important skill for all children.
• Building Relationships: Having the confidence to build relationships with both adults and peers will help your child feel more secure in their new surroundings.
• Personal Hygiene: Ensuring your child has a good level of personal hygiene, such as being able to put on their coat and other clothing by themselves and using the toilet independently, are all skills that you can support as a parent.

If your child has attended nursery or pre-school before starting school, many of these skills will have already been nurtured by their practitioners. However, reinforcing these skills at home can provide them with even more support.

Additional Activities to Support the Transition

Here are some extra activities you can do to further ease your child’s transition to school:

• Reading Stories About Starting School: Reading books about starting school can help your child understand that a change is coming and what to expect.
• Arrange Playdates: If you know other children who will be starting school at the same time, try arranging a playdate. Having a familiar face at school can offer reassurance on the first day.
• Involve Your Child in Buying Their School Uniform: Let your child take part in buying their school uniform and talk about it positively. This can help them see it as an exciting milestone rather than something to be feared.

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If you have any questions or concerns about how to support your child’s transition to school, please speak to one of our staff members in the Pre-school Room.