Back to School: Managing School Anxiety - Practical Advice for Foster Carers 

As the summer holidays come to an end, the return to school can bring a mix of emotions for children and young people. While many look forward to seeing friends and getting back into routine, others may feel anxious about the changes ahead. 

For children in foster care, the start of a new school year can be particularly challenging. Previous experiences, disrupted education, trauma or uncertainty can all contribute to feelings of worry. The good news is that, with patience, understanding and the right support, foster carers can help children approach the new school year with greater confidence. 

Why the Return to School Can Feel Overwhelming 

Every child is different, but some common worries include: 

• Meeting new teachers or classmates. 
• Starting a new school. 
• Falling behind academically. 
• Coping with changes in routine. 
• Feeling different from their peers. 
• Concerns about friendships or bullying. 

For children who have experienced trauma, even positive changes can feel unsettling. This is why a calm, therapeutic approach can make such a difference. 

Spotting the Signs of School Anxiety 

Children don't always tell us when they're worried. Instead, anxiety can show itself in different ways. 

You may notice: 

• Difficulty sleeping. 
• Complaints of headaches or tummy aches. 
• Becoming withdrawn or unusually quiet. 
• Increased irritability or emotional outbursts. 
• Reluctance to talk about school. 
• Avoiding conversations about the new term. 

Rather than focusing solely on the behaviour, try to stay curious about what might be causing it. Often, anxiety is a child's way of communicating that they need reassurance and support. 

Ease Back into Routine 

One of the simplest ways to reduce anxiety is to reintroduce familiar routines before the first day back. 

Try: 

• Gradually moving bedtimes and wake-up times back to school hours. 
• Planning meals and lunches together. 
• Organising school uniforms and bags in advance. 
• Walking or driving the school route if they're starting somewhere new. 
• Talking through what the first morning will look like. 

Predictable routines help children feel safe because they know what to expect. 

Listen Before You Solve 

When children share their worries, it's natural to want to fix the problem straight away. Sometimes, however, they simply need someone to listen. 
Try asking open questions such as: 

"What are you looking forward to?"

"Is there anything you're feeling nervous about?" 

"What do you think would help you feel more confident?" 

Giving children space to talk without judgement helps them feel heard and understood. 

Celebrate the Small Wins 

Confidence isn't built overnight. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. 

That could be: 

• Packing their own school bag. 
• Talking about their worries. 
• Getting through the first morning. 
• Making a new friend. 
• Trying a new activity. 

Recognising progress helps children develop resilience and reminds them that they can overcome challenges. 

Remember - You're Never Alone 

At Capstone Foster Care, we understand that supporting children through transitions like the return to school can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why we believe fostering should never be something you do on your own. 

Our foster carers receive comprehensive training to help them understand the impact of trauma and attachment, including therapeutic approaches such as PACE, which encourages empathy, acceptance, curiosity and playfulness when supporting children through difficult emotions. 

For children who need additional emotional support, our unique in-house MATTS (Multi-disciplinary Assessment Treatment & Therapy Service) provides access to specialist professionals, including mental health nurses, child psychotherapists, speech and language therapists and play therapists. Working alongside foster carers, social workers and schools, MATTS creates a personalised support network around each child, without the lengthy waiting lists often experienced elsewhere. 

Whether you're navigating the first day of school or supporting a child through a challenging term, you'll always have experienced professionals by your side. 

Building Confidence Together 

Starting a new school year is a significant milestone, but it can also be an opportunity for growth. With consistency, reassurance and the right support, children can develop the confidence to face new experiences and thrive. 

At Capstone Foster Care, we're committed to supporting both our children and our foster carers every step of the way. Through therapeutic training, 24-hour support and our specialist MATTS team, we're here to help every child build brighter futures. 

If you'd like to learn more about the support available to foster carers at Capstone, visit our Training & Support page or explore Therapeutic Fostering and MATTS.