Starting School or Pre-School: Addressing Common Concerns

The beginning of a new school year often brings a mix of excitement and anxiety for parents and caregivers. Taking your child to a new environment can feel overwhelming, raising concerns about how they will adjust and cope with the change.

As a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), I frequently receive questions during this time of year, especially from parents and caregivers of children with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN), seeking advice on how to help their child settle into a new setting.

To support you, I’ve compiled a list of practical tips and strategies that have proven helpful. These are either recommendations I've made that families have found effective or ideas shared by families themselves.

1. Reduce the feeling of everything being 'new'

Minimise the unfamiliarity on the first day, where you can. 

• Have your child wear their new clothes and shoes beforehand, washing them a few times so they feel and smell familiar.

• Use water bottles, lunch boxes and bags so they don't feel brand new and unfamiliar. 

2. Establish Consistent Routines

Practice your morning routine before the school year begins.

• Do a few trial runs of the journey to school or pre-school, helping you identify any challenges or distractions that could make the morning routine more difficult.

• Be prepared in the first few weeks - get as much ready the night before so you've got a few extra minutes in the morning to support your child. This will become easier over time, but if you're less stressed your child will feel less stressed.

3. Focus on Self-Care Skills

Think your child’s ability to manage tasks independently, such as:

• Washing hands

• Fastening shoes

• Taking off and putting on jumpers and coats

• Opening water bottles 

If any of these skills are challenging, start practicing them now to build confidence.

4. Prepare Your Child for What to Expect

Familiarise your child with their new environment.

• If possible, visit the school or pre-school in advance, showing them the classroom and introducing them to their teacher.

• If in-person visits aren’t possible, check the school’s website for photos or virtual tours, which are often available on shared platforms.

I won’t say “don’t worry” because I know how frustrating it can be to hear that when you’re concerned about your child. However, I hope these suggestions help you feel more prepared and give you some practical steps to ease the transition.