Starting School | Top Tips for Parents
We understand that starting school is an exciting but nerve-racking time for children and, as a parent, you’re looking for the best ways to support them during the transition. That’s why we asked parents and educators what their top tips are for helping prepare and reassure children for the upcoming academic year, so you can feel confident in your child having a happy and positive school experience that will stay with them for years to come.
Top Tips
“Ensure they feel confident with basic tasks such as putting on their own coat and shoes, using the toilet, using their water bottle and packed lunch box and even recognising their name. When they feel successful in the little things, it will help them feel positively about bigger things.”
– Jennifer Jardine, Teacher
“Meet up with other children that are starting school at the same time, then friendships can start to blossom before they start school. Also, a friendly face on the first day will help with any worries about leaving parents.”
– Vicky Oldridge, Teacher
“Listen to their worries, however small. They may seem unimportant to you but to your child they may seem insurmountable.”
– Lisa Breen, Librarian
“Positivity! Be positive about the school experience around your children.”
– Amy Evans, Parent
“Make sure they try on all their uniform and school shoes to ensure everything fits properly and is comfortable.”
– Harmony, Parent
“Reading books that focus on starting school can help children understand what to expect and normalise their experience. Look for age-appropriate books that address common concerns or fears and provide reassurance.”
– Kaan Mamikoglu, Parent
“Ask your child questions about school. This gives them the chance to bring up any worries or questions they may have.”
– Marcia Jones, Parent
“Games that involve making a bit of a fool of yourself are always a sure win. If they can see I don’t mind making mistakes, they are more willing to give it a go.”
– Jemma, Parent
“Practise the journey beforehand – take them on the bus/walk through the journey.”
– Jacqueline Harris, Parent
“If they have separation anxiety get matching keyrings for their bag/book bag and one for you so they can hold it when they miss you.”
– Joanne Barclay, Parent
Books for starting school
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The Boy at the Back of the Class
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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Wonder
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
Editor's pick
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark
- eur prices
- Offer price: €5.00
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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Frankie's World #2: Finding My Voice
Editor's pick
- eur prices
- Offer price: €9.00
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The Goldfish Boy
- eur prices
- Offer price: €8.00
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This is Me
Editor's pick
- eur prices
- Offer price: €7.00
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The Proudest Blue
- eur prices
- Offer price: €8.00
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You Are a Champion
- eur prices
- Offer price: €10.50
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This Rock Is Mine
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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When Jelly Had a Wobble
Editor's pick
- eur prices
- Offer price: €5.00
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The Treasure Hunters
Editor's pick
- eur prices
- Offer price: €8.00
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Shine
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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My Monster and Me
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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The Lion Inside
Award-winning team
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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Can You See Me?
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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When Ice Cream Had a Meltdown
Editor's pick
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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Ruby's Worry
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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Ella on the Outside
- eur prices
- Offer price: €9.40
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Stompysaurus
Award-winning author
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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The Worrysaurus
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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Barbara Throws a Wobbler
Award-winning author
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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Go Big: The Secondary School Survival Guide
- eur prices
- Offer price: €10.50
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Can I Play?
- eur prices
- Offer price: €8.00
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Meesha Makes Friends
- eur prices
- Offer price: €6.50
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Planet Omar #1: Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
- eur prices
- Offer price: €8.20
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Friendship Bench
- eur prices
- Offer price: €8.20
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Dare to Be You
- eur prices
- Offer price: €9.00
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A Better Day
New
- eur prices
- Offer price: €10.50
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