Starting School or Nursery

by Vanessa Purser, Early Years Teacher

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Before your child starts school, be positive - he/she will quickly realise if you are dreading it.
Help your child to be comfortable spending time with other people - this will help with separation on the day.
Encourage your child to be independent by praising them for little things like washing their hands, doing up their buttons etc.
Make the school familiar by walking past it often, find out the names of the teachers and pop in and look at the classroom together.
Let staff know in advance if your child might find it difficult to leave you.
Let your child wear his/her uniform out as a treat beforehand - compliment them on how grown up they look.
Your child will be a feeling a mixture of emotions - excitement, apprehension and frightened - you must reassure them and be confident about the day.
Once your child is settled on the day, leave them with a quick kiss and a big smile - reassure them you'll be back later.
If your child is clingy or upset, ask staff to help you.
You may notice a regression of behaviour in your child such as bed wetting or thumb sucking - this should only be a temporary response.
Do not be surprised if your child suddenly displays separation difficulties - it may have dawned on them that this is not a temporary arrangement.
Continue to help your child forge friendships - invite children around for tea or go to the local park with other parents after school.

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