The first day of school often feels like a bigger step for parents than it does for children. After years of nursery or home routines, suddenly your child is putting on a uniform, lining up at the school gate and beginning a whole new chapter. It’s exciting, but it can also stir up emotions and worries. Will they make friends? Will they be happy without me? Will they cope with the routine?
These feelings are all completely natural. Starting school is a milestone that brings change for the whole family. The good news is that there are simple, reassuring ways you can prepare your child, and yourself, for the transition. With the right support, school can quickly become a place where your child feels secure, confident and ready to learn.
Here we share practical tips to help ease those first-day worries and set your child up for a happy start to their learning journey.
Talk positively about school
Children often mirror how their parents feel. If you speak about school with warmth, your child is more likely to approach it with curiosity. That doesn’t mean ignoring their worries, it’s important to acknowledge them, but try to keep conversations calm and encouraging.
You might:
- Share little stories about what you enjoyed at school, whether it was painting, playing in the playground or learning to read.
- Focus on the exciting parts of the day they can look forward to, such as story time, meeting new friends or playing outside.
- Reassure them that lots of children feel nervous at first, but teachers are there to help them settle in.
Framing school as a safe and interesting place helps your child feel reassured long before the first bell rings.
Build familiarity with the school environment
New surroundings can feel daunting. Visiting the school together, even briefly, can make a real difference. If the school offers an induction session, try to attend. Walking through the classroom, seeing the playground and meeting the teacher helps the environment feel less intimidating when their first day at school arrives.
If formal visits aren’t possible, even a walk past the gates or pointing out the school on your way somewhere else can help. For your child, it turns the unknown into something familiar and expected.
Establish steady routines at home
Routines give children security, and school life is full of them. In the weeks before term begins, you can help by gently shaping daily rhythms to mirror a school day:
- A consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
- Getting dressed soon after waking.
- Eating meals and snacks at regular times.
You might even practise the journey to school so your child knows what to expect. These small routines build predictability, which eases anxiety and helps mornings feel calmer and more organised once term starts.
Encourage independence in everyday tasks
For many children, one of the biggest shifts in starting school is having to manage small tasks by themselves. Building independence beforehand boosts their confidence. You could encourage them to:
- Put on and take off their coat or shoes.
- Open their lunchbox and eat independently.
- Use the toilet and wash their hands without help.
- Pack their own bag with a water bottle or reading book.
These little steps are empowering. They give children the sense that they can manage by themselves, even when you’re not there.
Listen to their feelings
Even with preparation, children may still feel nervous. Give your child space to talk about their worries, and listen carefully to what they say. Often, their concerns are very specific, with questions like What if I don’t know where the toilet is? What if I can’t find my coat? Reassuring them with clear answers can go a long way.
Stories can help here. Picture books about starting school are wonderful for sparking conversations and showing children that feeling unsure is perfectly normal.
Nurture social confidence
For many children, school is the first time they’ll spend the whole day with a large group of peers. This can be exciting, but also overwhelming. If you can, arrange playdates with future classmates or encourage your child to meet new children at the park.
You can also practise social skills through play, taking turns, asking questions or introducing themselves. Remind your child that they already know how to be kind, share toys and say thank you. These simple skills make making friends feel less daunting.
Support your child and yourself at the school gate
The first goodbye can be the hardest part. Children are quick to sense their parents’ emotions, so keeping calm and confident makes a difference. A short, upbeat goodbye routine works best: a hug, a smile and a clear “See you this afternoon!”
Lingering often makes the separation harder. Trust that your child will settle once the day begins and remind yourself that teachers are skilled at helping children through those first tricky moments.
Create small traditions around the first day
Building positive associations can ease worries and make the start of school feel special. You might:
- Let your child choose their school bag or water bottle.
- Take a “first day” photo to mark the occasion.
- Plan a favourite dinner or small treat at the end of the day.
These rituals help create happy memories and give your child something to look forward to.
Stay connected with teachers
Teachers are valuable partners in your child’s learning journey. Keeping them updated on your child’s progress, interests or any small worries helps build a strong connection between home and school.
Regular communication allows you to celebrate successes, understand how your child is adapting socially and academically and work together if any challenges arise. This ongoing partnership ensures your child continues to feel supported and confident as they settle into school life.
Allow time for adjustment
It’s worth remembering that every child adapts differently. Some settle into school within days, while others may take longer to feel comfortable. Both are entirely expected as children find their feet. It can feel difficult as a parent when you see other children in the playground bouncing happily into their classroom while your own still hesitates, but this doesn’t mean anything is “wrong.”
Give your child time, keep routines steady and celebrate small steps of progress. With patience and encouragement, most children quickly build friendships, grow in confidence and begin to see school as a place where they belong.
It’s also helpful to remember that teachers are experienced in supporting children through this transition. If you’re concerned, a quick chat with your child’s teacher can provide reassurance. They’ll be observing and helping your child settle in each day.
Supporting a love of learning from day one
The early years of school are the foundation for a lifelong relationship with learning. Reading stories together, exploring nature, baking or playing simple games all nurture curiosity. These small, everyday experiences build the skills children use in the classroom.
At Dukes Tutoring, we know that every child is different. Some take to school with ease, while others need more reassurance and structured support. Our bespoke programmes for younger learners are designed to spark curiosity and build confidence gently, helping children feel secure and inspired as they begin their school journey.
A calm and confident start
Starting school is a moment filled with a whole mix of emotions, from pride and excitement to a touch of worry. By preparing gently, encouraging independence and keeping conversations positive, you can help your child approach their first day with confidence.
With steady support at home, open communication with teachers and expert guidance when needed, your child can not only settle into school but begin to thrive from the very beginning.
If you’d like to explore how Dukes Tutoring can support your child’s early learning, we’d love to hear from you. Call 020 3488 0754, email info@dukestutoring.com or complete our online enquiry form.
