MOU

WHAT THEY WILL NEED

Starting school brings about big changes for the whole family. You might be feeling excited for your child, a little nervous perhaps, but no doubt you have a few specific worries too.

Even if your child is confident and outgoing, there is usually some sense of anticipation about starting 'big school' and all the changes can take an emotional toll.

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BE ORGANISED
A little organisation can go a long way to helping ease your child into the new school routine. This is also an opportunity for your child to learn some new skills, such as being responsible for their own belongings, helping to prepare their packed lunch or putting their dirty uniform in the wash.

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Your child's school will probably have given you a list of all the things your child will need for starting school. If not - you can find out loads on the school's website and by talking to other mums. There's the uniform and gym kit but also they might need a few extras such as:

• Calculator (many schools require pupils to have a scientific calculator).

• Pencil case and plenty of pens, pencils, rubber, ruler, pencil sharpener, etc.

• A rucksack/bag that is big enough for all their jotters and textbooks, but one which they can carry easily as they will have to lug it round with them all day.

To find out what they will need at Archbisiop Ilsley click here!

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MAKE SURE THEY GET PLENTY OF REST
Be strict with bedtimes during the school week. Tried, grumpy children are harder to manage so make sure they get to bed on time, particularly in those first few weeks of school when they are having to adapt to a whole new routine. On average, four-year-olds need around 11 and a half hours of sleep each night.

Keep after-school activities to a minimum, and your child will probably be more than happy to have a few quiet, relaxed weekends in the early days too. If your child has trouble sleeping or settling at night, and this might become more pronounced during this transition phase.

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REASSURE THEM
Your reassurance is vital. Don't laugh off their worries, even if they seem trivial, but talk through those concerns with your child and explain that their teacher is on hand to help with anything that worries them during the school day.

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Share your own happy experiences of school with your child, and remind them that all children get a little nervous about school sometimes, but that if they really are worried about anything they can always come and talk to you about it. And if you yourself are feeling nervous about the transition, try not to show it. Your child will most certainly pick up on your mood, making them more prone to first-day nerves.

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