For parents/guardians and their children we hope this will help in any transition.
Starting infant or primary school
Starting a new school, or going to school for the first time is an exciting time time for children and their parents/carers, but it is a big change and can also be a little scary and overwhelming.
Listed below are a range of fun ‘Starting School Together’ activities that can be done with your child to help get them ready for starting at infant or primary school.
Let’s build a den – session 1
A book all about me – session 2
Sharing and turn taking – session 3
Hand/eye co-ordination – session 4
Dinner time – session 5
Caring for a pet – session 6
Teddy bears picnic – session 7
The Hungry Caterpillar – session 8
I am the Music Man – session 9
Nature walk – session 10
Name recognition – session 11
Let’s get dressed – I can do it myself – session 12
Do you need childcare before or after school?
| We can help you find breakfast and after school clubs for your child. Many childcare providers and childminders will take your child to school and collect them at the end of the day, providing a complete wrap-around care service. |
| Most working parents can claim Tax-Free Childcare to help with costs, whilst your child can complete homework or enjoy sports, arts and crafts with their friends. For help finding suitable childcare, please contact the Family Information Service on: 01202 093131 or email: [email protected] (BCP council) email: mailto:[email protected] (Dorset Council) |
Moving on to secondary school
This information has been produced to help you and your child with the move to secondary school.
Starting secondary school is a big step and may be an anxious time for you and your child.
Your child will be going from being the oldest in thier school to the youngest. They may be moving up with friends and classmates from primary school or may not know anyone in their new school. For all children, there will be a lot to take in and learn, particularly in the first few weeks.
There are lots of ways to help and support your child as they settle into Year 7 and throughout their time at school. You don’t need to be an expert in what your child is learning – being interested is the first and most important step. Teenage years can be turbulent as young people find their own identity.
Many parents/carers feel anxious when their child starts school but try not to let it show. Remember that schools work really hard to help children settle in. You may feel conflicting emotions: proud that your child is growing up and at the same time sad that their primary school days are over, this is perfectly normal.
In the beginning your child might worry about practical things, like getting lost or having to cope with a locker. This should go in a few days, as they learn the new routine and layout of the school, explain that this will get easier as they become more familiar.
They may also worry about the work or making new friends. Discuss their fears and reassure them that the work will get easier as they understand it more and that new friendships may take a little time to develop.
How is your child feeling? Rather than saying “there’s nothing to worry about”, it’s more helpful to tell your child that feeling nervous is natural, and that everyone gets nervous when facing new situations.
Remember to communicate with your child and discuss their concerns openly. Meal times can be a good place to discuss what has happened during the day and find out how they are feeling in a relaxed way, remember be interested, not pushy.
You and your child may find the following 12 tips useful and fun to help with the move to secondary school.
Tip 1 – look at the schools’ website
Tip 2 – practice packing your school bag
Tip 3 – find out about lunchtime arrangements
Tip 4 – plan your journey to school
Tip 5 – eat breakfast
Tip 6 – hear other students’ talking about secondary school
Tip 7 – use a diary
Tip 8 – finding your way around your new school
Tip 9 – buy your school uniform
Tip 10 – making new friends
Tip 11 – get enough sleep!
Tip 12 – take responsibility
Useful websites
Making friends in Secondary school
- Join a club or after school activity to meet new people
- Be yourself and you’ll make friends with people like yourself
- Smile and be approachable
- Make an effort to speak to people even of it takes you out of your comfort zone
- Don’t rush this: the most genuine friends come gradually as you get to know each other, not by trying to be instantly popular
- You will be seated with different people in different subjects and will have to work together. This is a good opportunity to get to know your classmates and form new friendships.
SEND – returning to school tips from Parent Carers Together
Amazing parents share their experiences
Apps to help your child sleep peacefully – Zzzzzzz…..
Dorset mental health support team in schools have come up with a selection of recommended apps that support children and young people’s mental wellbeing.
This week we are looking at sleep apps that calm the mind and will help your children sleep peacefully. A good nights sleep will help your child feel refreshed and more able to cope with the school day.
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