Make school familiar
Walk past the school, look at its website or photographs and talk about the journey. If the school offers visits or settling-in sessions, use them.
Starting school
Helping your child start school
Starting school is a big change. A little familiarity, a predictable routine and space to talk about mixed feelings can make the unknown feel smaller.
A few weeks before school
Practice everyday skills
Try the uniform, shoes, coat, lunch box and water bottle. Practicing small practical tasks can reduce the number of unfamiliar things arriving all at once.
Return to a steady routine
Regular sleep and morning routines can be reassuring. Guidance for children starting school suggests getting into a good routine in the week beforehand.
The night before
Keep the evening ordinary. Put out clothes and pack what is needed so the morning has fewer decisions. If your child talks about feeling worried, you do not need to promise that nothing will feel difficult. A calm “It’s okay to have a wobble — we’ll take one bit at a time” leaves room for the feeling without making it bigger.
On the first morning
Leave enough time to avoid a frantic rush. Remind your child of the simple plan: how you are getting there, where you will say goodbye and when you will be back. Keep goodbyes warm and predictable. If separation is proving particularly difficult, speak with the teacher about what arrival routine might help.
After school
A tired child may not want to answer lots of questions immediately. Food, a drink and some quiet time can come first. Later, try small questions such as “What was one funny thing?” or “Where did you sit?” rather than asking for a full report of the day.
Free Collyvale story
Read about Ollie’s first day
Ollie tries very hard to look brave when school feels enormous and noisy. His story was created to give young children and their grown-ups an easy way to talk about first-day feelings together.
Read the free 8-page preview → Buy the paperback on Amazon ↗ Read the school-worries guide →
If worry is becoming more than first-day nerves
If anxiety is persistent, worsening or affecting everyday life, ask for support rather than relying on activities alone. Health professionals advise speaking to a doctor or school nurse when a child is really struggling, and working with school when the worry is school-related.
Trusted information: HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) · Childhelp (childhelp.org)
A free help pack for starting school
For grown-ups: a free printable pack to try together at home.
Collyvale offers general information and gentle activities for families. It is not a medical or mental-health service. If worry is persistent, severe or getting in the way of everyday life, speak to your child’s school, school nurse or doctor.
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