Amanda’s Blog- Getting School Ready

Starting school can be quite daunting for both you and your child. But being prepared can relieve the stress and anxiety leading up to the big first day.

What do I need to do to make it easier?

When you know what school your child is going to, start to talk about it. It is really important to look around the school a couple of times before the big day so they can start to feel comfortable in this new environment.

Driving or walking past their school will also start them familiarising the surrounding environment and encourage them to talk about their new school.

It’s really important to make sure you have their school uniform ready at least 4-6 weeks before they start so they can try it on and get used to buttons, velcro, zips, pulling clothing up and down, making sure it is on the correct way.

Find out the teacher’s name and keep mentioning their name a few weeks before they start.

Getting them to draw the school and their teacher is a great way through play and imagination to help ease the process.

Reading a book at bedtime about starting school is great and also it gives them the chance to talk about any concerns they have or if they are really excited about this next milestone.

Hygiene is really important  when they start school  and when they are older to understand the importance. You need to 100% encourage them at an early age to wash their hands. So many germs are rife in schools and I cannot stress enough the importance of this.

Make sure your child is confident going to the toilet. They know how to wipe themselves properly, pulling pants, trouser or tights up and down. Knowing how to flush the toilet properly, is important with lots of little people going to the toilet daily. Washing their hands after going to the toilet properly for example, using soap and washing in between their fingers and also drying their hands properly.

All of the above is really important about getting ready for school as this can be a very daunting experience of starting big school and these are such easy steps to follow.

Good Luck and I know you can do it!