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Don’t worry if your child is tearful and clingy at first, it is quite normal and they will probably be playing quite happily within a few minutes.

If your child is exhausted at the end of the day, let them have quiet time or a nap.  If they are hungry, a healthy snack or drink can help restore energy levels.

Try not to ask too many questions when they first leave school. Wait until later in the day, once they have had a chance to relax.

Let them get used before introducing after-school activities and keep the first few weekends free so they can recharge.

Keep talking to your child about their feelings about school.  If they lose enthusiasm after a few days, use a calendar to help them understand weekdays vs weekends and holidays and arrange some treats for them to look forward to.

If you have any concerns, please do come and speak to their class teacher.

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Going to the toilet

Support your child to be confident about getting to the loo in time and wiping properly, using toilet paper rather than wipes.

Washing their hands

Chat about the importance of good handwashing with soap and water, especially after going to the toilet or handling animals.

Dressing and undressing

Let your child practice putting on their school clothes, especially if they are fiddly fastenings. Clothes with elastic bands and shoes wit Velcro are easier to handle for young children.

Using a tissue

Introduce your child to the routine of 'catch it, bin it, kill it'- catching their sneeze or runny nose in a tissue, putting it in the bin straightaway, then washing hands to kill germs.

Tidying up

Get your child into the habit of hanging their coat up, putting their toys away, clearing the table and so on, to prepare them for doing these things at school.

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It is natural to feel nervous about your child starting school, but remember that your child can easily pick up on your emotions. Try to be relaxed and positive, rather than showing your own nerves.

Try ot to make comments "I hated school" or "I was rubbish at school," which might give your child a negative attitude.

Try not to bombard your child with endless talk about school - treating it in a matter-of-fact way rather than focusing on the "big step ahead" will help soothe an anxious child.

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These are a collection of stories that you could share with your child ahead of them starting Reception or Nursery.

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Children start school with a wide range of abilities and their teacher will be skilled at helping children progress at their own level.

Below are some ideas of things to do with your child to help prepare them:

Look at the school website together and talk about the photographs in the classroom.

Share stories about about starting school.

Share with them their new school uniform regularly to get them used to seeing it / wearing it.

If they are anxious about starting, talk to them about things they will like e.g. sandpit or being with friends.

Practise the school morning routine, getting dressed, eating breakfast and knowing it is time to leave.

Practise the school run so you are both prepared for the journey.

Support your child to be confident about going to the toilet in time and wiping properly.

Practise blowing their nose, throwing tissues away and washing hands.

Get your child into the habit of hanging up their coat, putting toys away etc.