4 ways to prepare your child for school

Starting school is a milestone for parents and children alike. For you, the auspicious first day of education is both exciting and emotional, but your child may be especially anxious about this new phase in their life. Being away from home in an unfamiliar environment is nerve-wracking, but your child should also know that it is the start of an adventure and a chance to make new friends.

However positively you frame it, starting school is a phase of adjustment, so it's bound to be difficult for some children. Here are four ways you can help prepare your child for the big wide world of education.

Encourage Your Child to Talk Openly

Be ready to accept your child's feelings about starting school – both her excitement and her concerns. Explain that it’s normal to be nervous in new situations and that everybody else feels the same, even adults when they start new jobs. By showing your child it's OK to speak up about their feelings, you’re letting them know that their worries are valid and leaving the door open for future discussions. Don't dismiss any negative thoughts about school, but try not to dwell on them either. Instead, focus on the positives – that they’ll make new friends, take part in fun activities and learn new skills.

Seek Out Books and TV Shows About Starting School

Your child is impressionable at this age, so it’s important to expose them to the right information about starting school. There are plenty of great picture books about starting school, so take your child to your local library. The BBC also runs a child’s documentary series called Back to School, which captures the day-to-day excitement of real school adventures.

Make Decisions Together

You’ll face numerous choices when it comes to sending your child to school. Will you enroll her in a prestigious private school like Downsend School in Surrey or choose one of the UK’s many thriving public schools? You might not feel like your preschool child is equipped to handle decisions of this magnitude, but you can still give them choices and allow them to put in a word on what school they prefer. In fact, The Early Years Learning Framework encourages parents and carers to let children make decisions from a young age, citing that it is crucial for early years development.

For children, being able to problem-solve and make decisions for themselves is important, especially when they start school and are suddenly independent. Start by encouraging your child to make small decisions, like what school bag they’d like you to buy for their first day, or what they should have for breakfast.

Help Your Child Settle In

Take some of the pressure off “the big day'” by taking your child to meet their teacher before they start school. Better yet, check to see whether the school hosts any settling in sessions where your child can meet their classmates and adjust to the routine prior to actually starting. They should also be able to see the classroom and get a general idea about what sorts of activities they’ll be doing. You being there with her will help her feel safe and accept that school is a trusted and nurturing environment.