At a glance
Make the new routine familiar through conversation, play and a planned visit. Prepare together and keep promises about pickup clear and simple. Children settle at different speeds.
Talk about the day in small, familiar steps
Explain what will happen using things your child already knows: getting ready, travelling, meeting a teacher, playing and returning home. Let them ask questions. If you do not know an answer, tell them you will ask the school rather than inventing a promise.
A short pretend-school game can introduce taking turns, putting belongings away and asking for help. The aim is familiarity, not testing whether your child can already read or write.
Arrange a visit and share useful information
Ask the office whether you and your child can visit before the first day. Find the classroom entrance and ask about arrival, toilets, snack arrangements and collection. Follow the school's visitor procedure rather than arriving without notice.
Tell the teacher the name your child prefers, the language they use at home and anything that helps them ask for support. Confirm how the school wants parents to provide emergency contacts and other essential care information.
Prepare the bag and morning together
Use the school's actual list before buying supplies. Let your child recognise their bag, bottle and other belongings. Label items as the school recommends, practise opening containers and keep the first morning as unhurried as possible.
Set out clothes and confirm the journey the evening before. Agree which adult will drop off and collect the child. A clear plan helps adults keep the explanations consistent.
Keep goodbye warm and predictable
Let your child know when you are leaving and explain pickup in terms they understand. Use the settling-in approach agreed with the teacher. Avoid comparing their reaction with another child's or describing school as a punishment.
Afterwards, ask one easy question about the day and give your child time to answer. If settling remains difficult, discuss what happens at home and school with the teacher so you can agree a consistent plan together.
Further reading
Discuss your child’s next step
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