Helping your child transition from nursery to big school.

If your child will soon be making the transition from nursery to big school, you may be feeling a little anxious. This is a huge milestone and it means a lot of change for your child. They will need to learn their way around a new environment, meet new teachers and make new friends. They will also need to alter their routine and become more independent. 

These changes may feel overwhelming for your child; however there are lots of ways that you can ease them in gently and support their transition. 

To help you prepare, here are some helpful tips from an Independent Nursery in London…

Highlight all of the positives of school

It is normal for your child to feel anxious about starting their new school. Reassure your child by talking about all of the positives of school and all of the exciting things they can look forward to such as playtime, art & crafts and seasonal events. It can also help to emphasise how ‘grown up’ they are, as this will help to boost their confidence.

Help them prepare for school

It is important to prepare your child for school by teaching them how to be more independent. This means encouraging them to do certain tasks by themselves, such as going to the toilet and washing their hands. You will also need to teach your child about the importance of sharing with other children. The more you help to develop these skills before they start school, the easier it will be for them to settle in and enjoy it.

Take them to visit the school

Finally, the best way to help with your child’s school transition is to visit their new school as early as possible. This will help with the fear of the unknown and allow them to adjust to their new surroundings. Attend open days and events at the school, so they can meet the teachers and experience school life. It can also be really helpful to arrange a ‘settling in session’ with the school. This will allow you to go together with your child on their first day.

Laura x