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?

Searching for childcare

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.

Sleep Apps

Join us in helping to bring reality and decency back by SUBSCRIBING to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1Ll1ylCg8U19AhNl-NoTg

and SUPPORTING US where you can: Award Winning Independent Citizen Media Needs Your Help. PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR JUST £2 A MONTH https://dorseteye.com/donate/