Back to School… Tips for the Family

21st August, 2024

In the blink of an eye the summer holidays are almost over and it’s time to begin thinking about the return to school for many families across the country. After a long relaxing summer, (or a hectic one) it’s easy to wonder where to start.

We reached out to our team to share their wealth of knowledge on how to prepare children for the new term.

Top Tips for Preparing for Back to School.

Team Manager, Lisa, told us the importance of a bit of early preparation. “About 2 weeks prior to returning to school,

I would start to send them to bed earlier and get them up earlier in the morning to get them back into routine.

This was tough when they were teenagers as they just wanted to sleep, sleep and more sleep! However, it did make life easier when it came back to getting into the school routine.”

The idea that preparation is key was reiterated by Children’s Champion, Maisie, who commented, “One of our tips to our young people, especially those who are transitioning to secondary school or college is to

 practise their travel route during the summer holidays,

as they might be needing to get public transport such as a train or bus.”

Registered Manager, Bev, along with team, Natalie & Helen, had this to add, “Get the uniform prepared well in advance, save yourself the stress by missing the rush. Check any summer homework is complete early. Arranging some play dates is also a good idea, so the children aren’t nervous about seeing one another after such a long break. Get your packed lunches planned, and if they’re starting a new school take a trip there so they can see the building.”

Beating those first day nerves

Some super practical tips and tricks for getting ready for that all important first day. But what about the emotional preparation? Fostering Support Worker, Jill, had some incredible advice for taking the anxiety out of starting school.

“Spend some time together to go over the school day and practise those little moments which might cause them to panic…

do they know how to open their water bottle, or the lid to their yoghurt pot? It sounds small, but it can make a big difference to their confidence if they feel prepared for the moment.

Letting them wear their uniform around the house is also a great way to help them feel more comfortable, so that when the first day comes, this won’t be another first. They’ve probably got out of the routine of being still while on holiday, so take some time to sit and do a task that requires concentration, keep it low stress – some colouring or a jigsaw puzzle is perfect.

A nice little touch is to provide the children with a laminated little ‘push button’ in their bag. If they’re feeling worried and scared, they can push the button and know you are thinking about them and sending them brave thoughts. 

Of course, communication and conversation are super important.

Talk to them, discuss ‘safe strangers’, teach them to be kind, and above all reassure them that as long as they try their best – that’s all that matters.”

We love Jill’s approach to an anxiety free start of school. She also recommended some fantastic books to read together to help ready the family for their school journey.

Recommended Reading

  • All Are Welcome - Alexandra Penfold 
  • The Day You Begin - Jaqueline Woodson 
  • Love is All We Need - Krina Patel-Sage
  • Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School – Ian Whybrow
  • Why do I have to go to school? - Katie Daynes 
  • Let’s Get Ready for School - Jayne Porter 
     

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