Top tips for sending your child to primary school

Seeing your little one off at the school gates for the first time can be challenging for both parent and child. That is why it is great to be prepared in advance- just to make everything a little bit easier on the day. Here are a few things that may alleviate the nerves for you both.

1. Start in advance
In the weeks leading up to the start of term, drop in a few exciting details for your child to process in advance. It could be the colour of the uniform or the name of the school. This will help to introduce the concept of school long before that first day.

2. Refresh yourself
You may want to refresh your child’s memory about the school. Recollect when you visited and where everything is. Visit the website to familiarise yourselves with the school. Get your child excited!

3. Loo confidence
Some children are thrown off by school toilets and hold everything in until they are home. Ensuring they can wipe correctly, wash their hands and be okay using different toilets can really boost their confidence.

4. Create a routine
Create a morning routine that feels calm and incorporates plenty of contingency time. This will help to alleviate any morning nerves and a regular routine will create security for your child.

5. Be gentle but firm
Try to not show the full extent of your feelings if you are finding it hard to say goodbye at the gate. Being confident will show your child that everything is okay.

6. Listen
Be available to actively listen to how your child feels. Stop cooking and put your phone on silent. Engage with your child even if the conversation seems trivial. Their perception of you really listening may encourage them to open up about something more important.

7. Play time
Have some fun reserved for after school. Having some play time planned is great for relieving any anxieties from the day and will strengthen their social skills too.

8. Chill time
If your child is tired from their school day, give them time to relax. Enjoy having some quality time together. It may be as simple as watching their favourite TV programme.

9. Snacks at the gate
Bringing a healthy snack to the gates after school. Children are often pretty hungry by the end of the school day and it will be something for them to look forward to.

10. Look after yourself
This is a big milestone for your child but also for yourself. If it is possible, take the day off work. Knowing that you are available for your child will reassure you both. Treat yourself. And remember- your child is in safe hands and will be back just after 3pm.

Primary school | Reception | Starting School