What to Expect on Day One
Your child’s school will provide you with information about their first day in F2/reception, including a starting time, finishing time, and where you will need to go. If you have any questions, get in touch with your school.
Your school should be in touch with you in May or June to let you know more details. We highly recommend you visit the school before your child is due to start and to make full use of any open days or general meetings which share information on what the school offers.
See more on what to expect by using the links below:
Top tips to make that first morning easier
Some children may struggle with separation for the first few days when starting school. It’s completely natural after all, this is all completely new to them and you! Once they settle into their classes and make new friends, it will become much easier.
Here are a few things which parents have tried and tested to help your child through those first few mornings:
- Give them something to remind them of home, ideally something that will fit into their pocket, and won’t be lost, e.g. a keyring with a photo, or a small meaningful object.
- Draw a heart on your and the child hands to show you’re still there for them
- Give them a tissue with your perfume or aftershave on it so even though they can’t see you they can smell you which will help them to feel safe!
- Agree an activity to do together or a snack to bring after school
It’s okay to be recognise whatever emotion your child is feeling, whether they are sad or excited. Reassure them that they will be safe and that you, or whoever will be picking them up, will be back for them.
As your child is new to the school routine, saying you’ll be there to pick them up after lunch or before tea may be more helpful than ‘the end of the day’.
Before their first day
During the summer, it is helpful to start talking to your child about school. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to get them prepared about what they will be up to.
Let them know they’ll meet new people as well as do some fun things and play. Try and explain what might happen in the day as this may help settle an anxiety they have.
Tell them about other people who have been to school to normalise it for them. It will show that everyone goes through the same thing.
There are also some books you can read with your child. Go to your local library to see what’s available.
There are also some books you can read with your child about starting school. You could pop to your local library to see what’s available or check out these links to some fabulous reads!
- Topsy and Tim Start School - Read Aloud
- Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg | Read Aloud Book
- The Colour Monster Goes to SCHOOL - with edu prompts! Read aloud by Anna Llenas
There’s also some more help and advice about talking to your child about starting school here:
Talking to your children about starting school – Solihull Approach
