New School Start

Preparing your child for starting school

Whether the September school start is the beginning of a brand new adventure or a return after a long lockdown absence, you and your child might be feeling anxious. Here are a few ideas to help to build confi dence and pave the way to an easier September start. Settling in sessions might be diffi cult this year, so joining or setting up an online group and/or a socially-distanced outdoor playdate are good ways for your child to become familiar with the names and faces of children in their class. This will reduce the ‘unknowns’ on their fi rst day . Practice your walk to school a few times and talk about what you can see there, where the main door, playground, classrooms are etc. Talk to the school about the new measures they are taking and how the classroom will look. At home, play pretend school, let them try on the school uniform, put school things in the new backpack, have a school lunch. Make it silly and fun but talk about some of the things they can expect to be asked to do. There are some lovely books to reassure young children about the school experience. Here are a few: Topsy & Tim Start School by Jean & Gareth Adamson Starting School by Janet & Allan Ahlberg Stuff to Know When You Start School by Dorling Kindersley books I Am Too Absolutely Small For School by Lauren Child The Colour Monster Goes To School by Anna Llenas Start a ‘school-ready’ routine a few weeks before school starts i.e. early bedtimes and plenty of rest, early morning start, getting dressed in school uniform, eating breakfast and leaving the house. Talk to your child about the school day routine, the name of their class and teacher, who will be meeting them at the end of the day. Try to encourage independence with getting dressed, going to the toilet (washing hands) and tidying up toys or books they have used. AND...don’t feel that your child should need to know how to read, write and do sums before they start school. The only thing they need when they start Reception, is the confi dence to enjoy their school experience.

Highfields

Independent School & Day Nursery LONDON ROAD, NEWARK, NOTTS NG24 3AL www.highfieldsschool.co.uk

NOW ENROLLING 4 AND 5 YEAR OLDS IN RECEPTION 2020

For further information please contact: Cleo Staniforth 01636 704103 cleo.staniforth@ highf ieldsschool.co.uk

◆ Rated EXCELLENT in ISI inspection 2019 ◆ Enhanced curriculum

◆ Small friendly classes ◆ 14 acres of beautiful parkland ◆ Excellent pastoral care ◆ Only 2 minutes from Newark town centre ◆ Before and After School care ◆ Outstanding senior school preparation