Starting School

Education News from Alleyn's | www.alleyns.org.uk

Starting school is a huge step for both parents and children and it is likely to be a time full of heightened emotions.

Kristy O’Donnell, Reception Class Teacher

at Alleyn’s Junior School provides some straightforward, small steps to take before the big day, to alleviate anxieties, whilst explaining why the first year of a child’s education is so special.

During their Reception year your child will develop their independence, maturity, confidence, resilience and curiosity. They will learn by doing things for themselves, exploring, investigating, observing, listening, engaging in discussions and creative and imaginative play. All children grow and develop at different speeds, but you’ll notice an enormous amount of progress; emotionally, socially and academically in that first year.

So, how to get your child ready for school?

Encourage Friendships

Help facilitate friendships and independence by exploring new environments, joining clubs or arranging playdates to support your child’s interactions with new people and their emotional development.

Model A Growth Mindset

Making mistakes is ok and is an important part of the process of learning something new.

Support Communication Skills

Playing, talking, singing, and reading to your child regularly are all helpful in developing communication skills.

Encourage Independence

Especially in dressing and toileting. When your child is in Reception, they will likely be one of 20-30 children with 1-2 members of staff so the more independent they are with changing for PE or Forest School, the better! They should also be totally independent in using the toilet, realising they need to go and wiping/flushing/washing hands afterwards.

Try New Foods

Lunchtimes can be overwhelming in a new school environment, so practising eating at a table, using cutlery and trying new foods can help with this part of the day.

Talk About Emotions

Talking about how both you and your child are feeling is helpful. Little souls have big emotions. It is important that children can recognise and acknowledge their feelings so that teachers can support and encourage them to process them. Ask your child ‘how do you feel?’ when you can see them experiencing different emotions and help them to understand what these are and that they are normal.

Above all else, and fundamental to a positive first day, is talking about school. Discuss in advance with your child what you will do in the morning leading up to dropping them off. Listen to any concerns or questions they might have and give them all the positive reasons as to why they are going to enjoy this exciting new venture. Explain to your child when and how you will say goodbye to them on their first morning, and then see it through. A positive, confident handover is critical for leaving your child happy and settled.

And remember, your child’s teacher will be just as invested as you in making that first day a memorable and successful one.

Reception is the most amazing year for not only children and parents but their teachers too. Enjoy every moment, every new fact learnt, and every friend made, because the year flies by and before you know it, they will be getting Year 1 ready!