Starting School | Top Tips for Teachers

Posted on 29 August 2023

A teacher helping a young child at school

We understand that starting school is an exciting but nerve-racking time for children and, as a teacher, you’re looking for the best ways to support them during the transition. That’s why we asked teachers what their top tips are for helping reassure children and put them at ease in the classroom, so you can feel confident in your pupils having a happy and positive school experience that will stay with them for years to come.

Top Tips

“Have key staff on the gate in the morning with a huge smile, a cheery good morning and a compliment or personal comment about the child so they feel valued, and they feel you know them personally.”

– Rachel Jones, Teacher

“Introduce a buddy system at lunchtimes and reading buddies during the week.”

– Lisa Spry, Teacher

“Be approachable and supportive, and build positive relationships.”

– Nicola Blain, Teacher

“Create a friendly, welcoming and nurturing environment.”

– Ciara Haran, Teacher

“Take the time to get to know your children and for them to know you.”

– Helen Creak, Teacher

“I think it’s so important [children] feel straight away like they are part of a classroom family. My top tip is to get the children to draw themselves in a picture of their favourite book and display these all year round so the children are part of their own story.”

– Amy Smith, Teacher

“Make sure they have fun! Play social skills games, read stories and sing.”

– Roslyn, Teacher

“Listen to their dreams early on and help them to develop their voice to achieve them.”

– Sasha Doherty, Teacher

“Take their worries seriously, even if they seem small to you.”

– Tracy Roberts, Teaching Assistant

“Read to children everyday – a variety of books in all different kinds of voices and rhythm and rhyme.”

– Angela Williams, Teacher


Books for starting school

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