Are you starting a new school, returning after a long break or a parent/ carer supporting a child going back?
As a Headteacher, Laura O’Leary shares Blessed Robert Sutton’s Top Tips, to help you or your child have the most successful start:
1. First and foremost, share your concerns with a loved one.
Be open with a loved one with how you are feeling. A problem shared is a problem halved. You can talk through your feelings, what you are thinking and be helped navigate how your thoughts are affecting how you are feeling!
If you have a child starting a new school or returning, encourage them to share how they are feeling no matter what it is.
Don’t forget you can always pass these on to your child’s school. Nearly every school in the country will have an INSET day (the first day of the school year), so do drop your child’s school an email or give them a call to pass on any information.
2. Listen Actively: Actively listen to your child’s concerns and validate their feelings when they do share how they are feeling with you. Let them know that it's normal to feel anxious about change or new situations.
3. Control the controllable: Spend time organising your items ready for the start of the school year so you feel prepared.
If you have a child starting or going back to school, spend time with them getting their uniform, equipment, and bag packed so they are ready to go.
4. Get information: School websites are a treasure trove of information. Spend some time checking out the school website to get as much information as you can before the start of the new school year.
If you are starting a new school, you could always go one step further and check out your new school on Google Earth.
If you have a child, make sure you sign up for the school's social media platforms (Twitter/Facebook, etc.) and have a look at any photos posted together, so you can get excited about the many activities you will be able to take part in.
5. Have a practice run: If possible, visit the school before your first day to familiarise yourself with the new environment..
Ask a loved one to go with you to share the experience and talk through how you feel at the same time.
6. Be positive: Try positive thinking by focussing on the benefits of going back to school, such as learning new things, making friends, and achieving goals.
7. Ways to cope: There are relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage anxiety when it arises.
Look into these techniques to help you, when you start to feel butterflies or nervous. You can find some of these techniques on the Well Good home page under free resources and Mindset.
8. If you are a parent/carer - Show your child that you are their biggest champion: Continuously show your support and encouragement.
Let them know that you are there for them, no matter what happens.
Why not leave them a secret note to find…for example, in their blazer pocket!
9. Parents and carers also lead by example: Model positive coping strategies and a calm attitude towards change and challenges to demonstrate effective ways to manage worries.
10. Other useful resources: The move to secondary school is a big step for children and their parents. In some cases, pupils can become anxious or overall worried.
The following websites and video links can help pupils and parents navigate the worries of transition.
Anna Freud: Moving Up! The transition to secondary school:
Young Minds: Find your feet: Transitioning to Secondary School
Find your feet: Parent Webinar: