22nd August, 2024
In the blink of an eye, the summer holidays are nearly over, and it's time for families across the country to start thinking about the upcoming school year. Whether your summer was restful or bustling, it's easy to feel unsure about where to begin.
To help ease the transition, we reached out to our team, who shared their valuable insights on how to prepare children for the new school term.
Team Manager Lisa highlighted the benefits of early preparation. “About two weeks before school starts,
This was especially challenging with teenagers who just wanted to sleep all day, but it really made the transition back to school life smoother.”
The importance of preparation was echoed by Children’s Champion Maisie, who added, “For young people, especially those moving up to secondary school or college,
They may need to navigate public transport, like buses or trains, and this practice can build confidence.”
Registered Manager Bev, along with team members Natalie and Helen, offered this advice: “Get school uniforms ready well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Make sure any summer homework is completed early, and consider arranging playdates so the children don’t feel anxious about seeing their friends after a long break. Planning packed lunches and visiting a new school ahead of time can also help ease the transition.”
These practical tips are great for getting ready for the first day, but what about emotional preparation? Fostering Support Worker Jill shared some excellent advice on reducing anxiety around starting school.
These might seem minor, but being prepared for these moments can really boost a child’s confidence. Letting them wear their uniform around the house beforehand can also help them feel more comfortable, so it's one less ‘first’ to deal with on the big day.”
Jill also suggested an innovative idea: “A small, laminated ‘push button’ in their bag can provide comfort. If they feel scared or worried, they can press it and remember that you're thinking of them and sending them brave thoughts. Open communication is crucial—talk to them about ‘safe strangers,’ encourage kindness, and reassure them that doing their best is what truly matters.”
We love Jill’s thoughtful approach to easing school anxiety. She also recommended some wonderful books to read together to help prepare the whole family for the school journey.
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