The move from nursery to “big school” can feel like a huge step for you and your child but Emma Shea, Acting Head at Harrogate independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor shares some great tips to help make the transition as seamless as possible.
Get to know the school
Looking at the school prospectus, photos or videos, a virtual tour or even a taster day can all help to smooth the transition and answer any questions ahead of a September start. Most schools will arrange a transition day in the summer term and invite your child in to spend time with his/her class and meet their teacher and fellow classmates.
Read to them
There are also some really helpful picture books about starting school which you could read with your child – Topsy and Tim Start School (by Jean and Gareth Adamson) or Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School (by Ian Whybrow and Adrian Reynolds) are both great books and can spark conversations about September and what to expect.
Build independence
As a parent one of the best things you can do to help your child prepare for school is to give them that positive “can do attitude” and start to build a sense of independence and responsibility for both themselves and their belongings.
Things like making their bed in the morning, packing their own bag or laying the table at meal times all help to give children a confidence in their ability to do things for themselves and helps prepare them for their first day at school.
Rehearse the routine
Another useful preparation a few weeks before starting school could be to rehearse the morning routine and practice putting on their uniform.
This can help you and your child not to feel rushed in the morning before having to go to school and address any sticking points such as fastening buttons and zips before the actual day itself. You may also want to consider making the journey to school a few times before the first day so that this part of the day at least feels familiar for you both.
Communication
It is important to keep talking to your child about their feelings about school. This way, if you do have any concerns, they can be raised early to prevent them from developing into bigger problems.
Here at Belmont Grosvenor School, we know that establishing a close teacher/parent relationship is key to each child’s success and development. Having lots of regular open communication can really be reassuring for parents and builds a strong partnership and foundation for future transitions.
Above all, don’t worry
Children start school with a whole range of abilities as they have spent their early years in a variety of different settings and home environments.
Teachers in Reception here at Belmont Grosvenor School assess all the children by using a fun, interactive online test which help to form an accurate picture of each child’s strengths and weaknesses from the very beginning.
Teachers are expertly skilled at supporting each child to progress at their own individual level – and remember if you have any worries or concerns at all, your child’s teacher and school will be there to help.
I wish you and your child happy school days ahead!
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