Advice and tips for children starting school in September

by My Kent Family reporter

Starting primary school for the first time involves more planning than just buying a new uniform.

Getting a four or five-year-old ready for the move from home, childminder or nursery to 'big school' needs plenty of preparation and support, something early years specialist Claire Russell and nursery teacher Suzanne Roberts know all about.

Here they share some helpful tips to ensure parents and children sail through starting primary school...

Claire Russell with her son Mason
Claire Russell with her son Mason

1. Recognising their name

It's not necessarily about children being able to write their own name, says Claire, but about them recognising their name, as it will be on their belongings. If they can recognise their name written down, it'll help them take responsibility for their own belongings - otherwise you risk a lot of lost possessions over the next school year.

She suggests playing games, ordering the letters in their name, making labels for their book bag, creating a bedroom sign for their door, or moulding it with play dough.

2. Counting

Counting doesn't mean reading, writing and ordering numbers one to 10, as that involves a lot of skill for a preschooler. Instead, practise counting through songs and stories, and try playing with numbers and noticing them when out and about - on doors, buses and price tags, etc.

3. Practise wearing the uniform

Suzanne, teacher and manager at nursery, says children should practise wearing their uniform and PE kit, and just generally dressing themselves.

"Lots of parents forget this and then expect their child to be comfortable on their first day," she says. "Uniforms can be very different to what your child is used to wearing. Children of this age can be sensitive to change."

Putting the school uniform on - and off - will help pupils rehearse for school.
Putting the school uniform on - and off - will help pupils rehearse for school.

4. No laces

Suzanne suggests avoid buying new school shoes with laces. "Your child has to become more independent, so help them as much as possible by either buying shoes with Velcro straps or slip-on trainers or plimsolls."

5. Toileting independently

Ensure that when going to the toilet, your child is able to undo his or her trousers, manage a skirt, pinafore or tights wipe their bottom and wash their hands.

6. Tidy tots

Help them become more independent by encouraging your child to hang up their own coat and bag on arrival at nursery or at home. Ask them to do some little chores at home, too. Prepare them by teaching them to put their shoes together at home, or putting some of their own belongings away.

"By helping them to be more independent, you're helping them to feel confident and self- assured," explains Suzanne.

7. Eating independently

"Don't expect miracles, but do encourage your child to use their cutlery correctly, eat independently, and try clearing their plate away when finished," suggests Claire.

Encourage your children to be more independent prior to them starting school
Encourage your children to be more independent prior to them starting school

8. Read school information

Make sure you read all information the school has sent.

9. Practise the school run

Practise taking the journey to school, so it's not so alien. Use it as an opportunity to talk about any anxieties your child may have.

10. Play taking turns games

A lot of children in one space means they're going to have to learn to share and take turns. Claire advises that parents help children practise by playing lots of games together as a family or with friends, to help them learn to wait for their go.

Play lots of games in advance of them heading to the classroom
Play lots of games in advance of them heading to the classroom

11. Read bedtime stories

Most schools will send home books or even homework, so it's a good idea, if you don't already, to build books and reading into the bedtime routine now. Try books like Topsy And Tim Start School by Jean Adamson, Starting School by Allan and Janet Ahlberg, or Harry And The Dinosaurs Go To School by Ian Whybrow.

12. No comforters

Lave special toys - comforters, blankets, or teddies - at home.

13. Don't linger

Explain to your child that they're going to have the best time ever - implanting this idea is very powerful, stresses Roberts - and that you'll see them later. If you forget to tell the staff something, don't go back into the room; pop to the reception desk and they'll pass on a message.

14. Hide your emotions

Starting 'Big School' can be a very emotional time for parents, but don't show your child you're upset on their first day. "If they see you upset, they'll think they should be upset too, and this is very unsettling," explains Suzanne.

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