Back to …. a NEW …..School
As the ‘Back to School’ banners appear in the shops it is with trepidation that both students and parents realise that the glorious summer holiday is nearly over and the new term about to start.
For those parents with children transitioning to their senior schools changes are on the horizon and the main cause of anxiety is often the uncertainty of the future. The first piece of advice I can give you is DON’T PANIC! Schools are amazingly well adapted these days and have systems in place to support students moving between schools. However, here are some things you can do as a parent to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible:
1) Ensure you have all the kit – it sounds obvious but make sure you have all the correct uniform, sports kit and a pencil case full of all the equipment necessary and that all equipment is clearly named. This will mean you child will feel fully prepared for any eventuality. It is good to involve your child in the process of purchasing and naming the equipment to give them ownership.
2) Make time to discuss travel arrangements to school – discuss with you child how they will be getting to and from school and at what time. If they are going to be catching public transport or walking/cycling you could try a ‘dummy run’ to ensure they know where to go and have an idea of how long the journey will take them.
3) Food and Water – it is such a basic but easy to overlook – make sure your child knows what they will be eating during the day – will they need money to buy lunch, be taking lunch with them or is it provided? Make sure they always take a water bottle to school – all schools now encourage pupils to carry one with them!
4) Homework – the new school will have a homework policy, look at it with your child and plan adequate time for your child to complete their homework when they get home from school. Most schools now use a VLE (virtual learning environment) which your child will need to access. Ensure they have a quiet space in which to work and access to the internet. Good practice is to encourage children, where possible, to complete their homework on the day it is set – not the day it is due in! This allows time to ask for help at school if necessary. I also recommend prioritising homework, before embarking on any other evening activities.
5) Sleep – The NHS recommends that children of 11 need 9 ½ hours sleep, 12 – 13 need 9 ¼ hours sleep and 14 – 16 need 9 hours sleep. Make sure your child gets the sleep they need.
6) Mobile Phones and Tablets– as time goes on research is showing how damaging to physical and emotional health the use of mobile phones and tablets can be if unrestricted. Decide as a family how you are going to limit the use of them at home and all follow the rules. By making informed decisions together and leading by example your child is more likely to ‘buy in’ to the house rules.
If you have all the practical aspects nailed it will really help your child to make the transition allowing the to focus on the academic and social side of their new school.