Starting School | Top Tips for Parents
We understand that starting school is an exciting but nerve-racking time for children and, as a parent, you’re looking for the best ways to support them during the transition. That’s why we asked parents and educators what their top tips are for helping prepare and reassure children for the upcoming academic year, so you can feel confident in your child having a happy and positive school experience that will stay with them for years to come.
Top Tips
“Ensure they feel confident with basic tasks such as putting on their own coat and shoes, using the toilet, using their water bottle and packed lunch box and even recognising their name. When they feel successful in the little things, it will help them feel positively about bigger things.”
– Jennifer Jardine, Teacher
“Meet up with other children that are starting school at the same time, then friendships can start to blossom before they start school. Also, a friendly face on the first day will help with any worries about leaving parents.”
– Vicky Oldridge, Teacher
“Listen to their worries, however small. They may seem unimportant to you but to your child they may seem insurmountable.”
– Lisa Breen, Librarian
“Positivity! Be positive about the school experience around your children.”
– Amy Evans, Parent
“Make sure they try on all their uniform and school shoes to ensure everything fits properly and is comfortable.”
– Harmony, Parent
“Reading books that focus on starting school can help children understand what to expect and normalise their experience. Look for age-appropriate books that address common concerns or fears and provide reassurance.”
– Kaan Mamikoglu, Parent
“Ask your child questions about school. This gives them the chance to bring up any worries or questions they may have.”
– Marcia Jones, Parent
“Games that involve making a bit of a fool of yourself are always a sure win. If they can see I don’t mind making mistakes, they are more willing to give it a go.”
– Jemma, Parent
“Practise the journey beforehand – take them on the bus/walk through the journey.”
– Jacqueline Harris, Parent
“If they have separation anxiety get matching keyrings for their bag/book bag and one for you so they can hold it when they miss you.”
– Joanne Barclay, Parent
Books for starting school
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Wonder
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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The Boy at the Back of the Class
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- Offer price: £4.99
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £3.99
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Go Big: The Secondary School Survival Guide
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £6.99
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The Proudest Blue
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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Can You See Me?
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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The Goldfish Boy
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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You Are a Champion
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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This is Me
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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Shine
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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Planet Omar #1: Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £6.30
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The Worrysaurus
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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The Lion Inside
Award-winning team
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- Offer price: £4.99
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Ruby's Worry
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- Offer price: £4.99
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My Monster and Me
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- Offer price: £4.99
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Dare to Be You
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- Offer price: £6.99
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Frankie's World #2: Finding My Voice
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £6.99
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Welcome to Dinosaur School
Award-winning illustrator
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £6.30
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Fabulous Frankie
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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The Treasure Hunters
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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Meesha Makes Friends
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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Glitter Boy
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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Barbara Throws a Wobbler
Award-winning author
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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This Rock Is Mine
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £7.20
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Friendship Bench
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £6.30
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Stompysaurus
Award-winning author
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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When Jelly Had a Wobble
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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