The end of the summer holidays always creeps up more quickly than expected. One week it’s late nights and relaxed mornings, the next you’re wondering whether shoes still fit and where the school blazer ended up. For children, the switch can feel just as sudden: they move from unstructured days to timetables, homework and full classrooms almost overnight.
In our work with students, we notice that children return sharper and happier when they’ve had a gentle lead-in, whether that’s easing back into a routine, revisiting a few key subjects or simply talking through what they’re looking forward to (and what they might be anxious about). Parents often ask how to make that transition smoother, and the good news is that a little preparation goes a long way.
Resetting routines gradually
Late nights and long mornings are part of the joy of summer, but they don’t sit easily with a 7:45 alarm. Rather than waiting for the first day back to reintroduce structure, try edging towards term-time routines during the final week of the holidays. Bringing bedtime forward by 15 minutes a night, waking up earlier and having breakfast at the time they’ll need to eat before school makes the first day back less of a shock.
Consistency is what matters here. Children who arrive at school already in the rhythm of regular sleep, meals and study time have more energy and focus in the classroom. It also cuts down on those fractious early mornings that set everyone off on the wrong foot.
Tackling the practical checklist early
Uniform, shoes, bags, sports kit, calculators – the list can feel endless. But leaving that check-list until the last weekend ramps up stress for both parents and children. In our experience, getting the practicalities sorted a week in advance helps everyone feel calmer. It also gives children the sense that they’re equipped and ready to learn.
If your child is moving into a new year group or even a new school, walk them through any changes they might face. For example: new PE kit requirements, subject folders or a bus journey they haven’t taken before. Familiarity reduces nerves, and rehearsing practical steps like the school run or checking the timetable can make a huge difference.
Reawakening the academic side
The summer holiday is a long time to step away from structured learning, and it’s normal for children to feel rusty when they return to school. You don’t need to turn the summer into bootcamp revision, but a little light-touch preparation can help them hit the ground running.
This could mean:
- Reading together in the evenings to get back into the habit of sustained focus.
- Revisiting times tables, mental maths or quick writing tasks to spark fluency again.
- For older pupils, skimming through last year’s notes or reviewing key vocabulary in subjects like science or languages.
We often find that children benefit from a few sessions of tutoring at this stage, not to push ahead, but to dust off what they already know and rebuild confidence before the new term. That way, the first few weeks feel like a continuation, not a race to catch up.
Talking through expectations
Children often carry unspoken worries about going back to school: new teachers, tougher work, friendship dynamics or changes in routine. Sometimes, those concerns only surface when you give them space to talk. A calm conversation in the days before term starts, perhaps on a walk or over dinner, allows them to voice what’s on their mind.
We encourage parents to balance reassurance with realism. Let children know it’s normal to feel nervous, but also remind them of the things they’ve handled before. Reflecting on past successes (“remember how you felt before Year 5 started, and how well you managed?”) gives them proof they can adapt again.
Managing the digital switch
Over the holidays, screen time often stretches. Whether it’s gaming, TikTok, or endless group chats, many children get used to having their phone close at hand. Term-time is different: long days in classrooms, less online access and renewed peer pressure around phones.
Setting expectations before school starts is far easier than reacting to problems afterwards. This might mean:
- Agreeing phone-free time in the evenings to make space for homework.
- Discussing how to handle group chats or social media so they don’t add unnecessary stress.
- Making sure devices are left outside the bedroom at night to support sleep.
These are small adjustments, but they can prevent digital habits from undermining focus and wellbeing.
Building confidence for the year ahead
More than anything, a good start to the year is about mindset. Children who step into the classroom feeling capable and prepared tend to settle more quickly, even if the work is challenging. Confidence doesn’t come from knowing all the answers, but from having the resilience to tackle new material and the support to keep going when it feels tough.
Parents play a big role here. Celebrate small wins in the first week or so, whether that’s remembering a timetable, speaking up in class or finishing homework on time. These positive notes set the tone and remind children that effort counts as much as outcome.
When extra support makes the difference
Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, a child struggles to adjust. They may find the pace of work harder than expected, or they might need help rebuilding confidence after a difficult year. That’s where tailored support can make all the difference.
At Dukes Tutoring, many of the families we work with use the start of term as a moment to take stock. A handful of targeted sessions can help children re-establish key skills, get ahead on core subjects and feel more secure in their learning. Because our tutors are experienced teachers, they know how to balance challenge with encouragement, helping children feel stretched but not overwhelmed.
Setting the tone for a positive year
Each September brings a mix of nerves and possibility. Children often rise to the challenge when they know there’s steady guidance behind them, someone to help them focus, encourage and remind them they’re capable of more than they think.
If you’d like one-to-one guidance shaped around your child’s needs, our tutors can help build confidence and stretch potential from the very start of term. Call 020 3488 0754, email info@dukestutoring.com or complete our online enquiry form to find out more.
