BEING READ

DY FOR THE FIRST DA

AY AT SCH OOL

BE
EING REA
ADY FOR THE FIRST DAY AT
A SCHO
OOL

Sttarting schhool for thee first time is an impo

ortant mileestone for your child , and for you
y too.
Many
M childrren look forward to this time. HHowever, fo or some, fe
ear of the u
unknown can c make
fo
or an anxio ous build-uup. Prepara ation and p
positivity are the keys to smootthing the way.
w

In the months before

Reead storybbooks that present positive imaages Makke trips to buy schoo ol items intto a fun
off school. activvity with yo
our child. TThis will he
elp build
positive assoc ciations witth going too school.

Make
M sure yyou know the
t uniform m Visitt the schoo
ol with you
ur child: atttend any
re
equiremennts; buy items in good d time, and
d introoduction sessions;
s o
or simply walk
w or drivve
put name laabels on evverything. pastt. Stop andd point outt attractive
e features,
such h as a nice
e playgrounnd or good d sports
facillities.

Taalk about yyour own happy

h mem
mories of
scchool.

Make
M su
ure you
ur child has ba
asic selff-help skills
s in place
Ussing the baathroom ind dependently
ly and wash
hing handss afterwards.
Getting dresssed and un ndressed forr PE.
Ea
ating indep pendently and using cu utlery.
Ab
ble to sit stiill and listen
n when askked.

© Pearson
P Ed
ducation Lim
mited 2021 1
 In the days before

• Get them used to the school routine, for example, an earlier bedtime and waking up time.
Don't wait until the day before.
• Read positive school stories again.
• Share fun stories from your own school experiences, or those of family and friends,
(especially older children).
• Make sure you know the school route and where to take your child once there. If the route
and school are new to you, do a practice run. Take your child with you, so the route is not
completely unfamiliar to them on the first day.
• Explain simply how basic practicalities will work at school, including bathroom visits, having
lunch, being taken and collected from school.
• Prepare their uniform ready for the first day, so that it is (washed, ironed, and laid out
ready to put on).

On the morning
Allow enough time for getting them ready and into school in good time.

Keep your goodbyes short and positive at the school gate. Support them with hugs and
smiles; make sure they know where you will collect them later on.

Don't take too long to say goodbye; this gives your child more time to lose their nerve, and
cling to you, if they are still feeling anxious.

If you feel upset, don't let them see; this might make them feel confused or upset too.

© Pearson Education Limited 2021 2