Helping my child get ready for starting school

4. Top tips for parents and carers

Be prepared for starting school

• Talk about starting school with your child to find out what they feel
• Look at the school's website or social media accounts together to spark conversation about things that happen in school
• Visit the school premises with your child
• Talk to your child about the different people they will meet and different routines
• Talk about any induction routines and things that might be new in school like assemblies
• Play games and read books about starting school
• Practise getting ready for school by trying on the uniform
• Talk about new routines involved in getting to school and any after school clubs
• Label your child's belongings

Starting school

• Create a calm excitement around starting school
• Talk to the teacher about what is unique about your child
• Create opportunities for your child to share their experiences of their day without too many questions
• Act on any concerns swiftly to minimise the impact of adversity and maximise support available

What is important?

You may want to write down what is important to you and your child as they start school.