Starting a new school is a big event in your child's life.  You probably have some idea of how they will react whether they will be nervous, hysterical or completely cool about the whole thing.  If they know the school well because they have attended its nursery, then the transition should be smooth.  If they've only seen the school once or twice, then they may take longer to settle.  Either way, they will probably be exhausted for the first week or two!

Member Feature - members can read the top tips below when they log in, which cover preparing for the new term, what to do on the first day, PE tips and homework tips!  A two page guide is available to print off - share your tips with a friend. 

Top Tips before term starts

• Make sure you have enough uniform I always get through more than I think!
• Don't forget to label all items of uniform you can get pre-printed labels which iron or stick onto anything, or simple write-on & iron-on labels from Woolworths, department stores or uniform shops.  It's well worth the effort and makes rummaging through lost property boxes much easier!   Here are 3 companies offering a printed label service: www.easy2name.com, www.eze.co.uk  and www.clivemark.co.uk .
• Get new school shoes early if you leave it until the last weekend it will be busy, frustrating and the shops may not have what you want.
• Always keep plimsoles around ' they are needed for indoor play and often school plays ' it's worth keeping the next size up in a cupboard as they can be a pain to get hold of.
• Think about giving your child a special hook at home for their school bags and coats etc.  This will make the morning rush less frantic.
• The best thing I have been given is a hanging clothes holder with a section for each day of the week which gets filled up with everything for each day.  The children can then find everything themselves and get ready with the least possible help from you.
• If you've only visited the school once or twice, a few drive-bys or walk-pasts may be a good idea to show your child where they will be going.
• Re-check the information you received from the school regarding start/finish times and the school routine. 
• Keep the school calendar handy and double check term start dates I've missed a whole day because I assumed there would be a staff training day!

 Top Tips - On the day 

• If you don't normally do the school run, try and make an exception for a couple of days to reassure your child.
• Starting school is a big step for the family and could be a great excuse for a celebration!  Maybe give your child a good luck card or small present and arrange a special tea after school.
• Try and get a good breakfast inside them as it's a long day.  Breakfast makes a real difference to their energy levels and performance in class. 
• Try and put yourself in your child's shoes and think how they are feeling.
• Take your cues from the teacher if they ask you to leave your child in the playground with them or think it's OK for you to drop them off and then go, trust their experience.  And remember, most children want to do what everyone else is doing!
• Try and start a good routine that suits you from day one.  Force yourself to get organised and teach your children to start looking after their things (how long this will take, I still couldn't tell you!).
• Let your child rest more this week as they will be tired.  And make sure they get enough sleep at night .

Top Tips lunch, PE, homework etc.

Homework

• Once your child settles in, homework will start to appear.  Make sure you check with the teacher what is required as it's not always obvious and your child might get confused.
• Ask for a copy of your school's homework policy for more information.
• Most schools advocate a little reading each evening at the very least.
• If your child is having weekly spelling tests, ask your child to keep the words somewhere safe (fridge?) when you first get them the book is bound to go missing the night before the test!

PE

• Your child will probably keep his kit at school for the whole time until it comes home for a serious wash at half term.
• Look out for instructions from school regarding whether they need trainers/plimsoles or sweatshirts/tracksuits etc for different seasons.
• Make sure everything is labelled pants, socks the lot.
• Check your child has his own clothes on when he gets home!

Lunch

• Think about school lunches or a combination of both.  They are convenient, hot and some schools cook really good ones!  Most school have a fun lunch one day of the week which could be a good introduction for your child to the routine.
• Check the school's policy on sweets, fizzy drinks etc it's embarrassing for your child if they get their Pepsi Max and smarties taken away at lunchtime! 

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