Let the new term commence

1. Discuss what will happen on your child’s first day at school, including what time they will wake up, when they will set off and who their teacher is going to be.

2. Talk through what they learnt last year and share your enthusiasm for the subjects.

3. Emphasise that they have made progress throughout the school year and that learning skills takes time and practice.

1. Reduce the amount of time your child has access to computers, iPads, phones and television.

2. Encourage your child to play games, do puzzles, or read, as this will help ease them into the school routine.

1. Walking around the area near the school can be reassuring for your child, even if you cannot enter the building.

2. Exploring the surroundings helps your child become familiar with the new environment.

1. Arrange any medical check-ups before the end of summer, ready for the new school year. Your child will benefit from knowing of any health issues before the new term.

2. Write down any new concerns or changes in your child’s life so that staff can be informed immediately.

1. Wash and prepare uniform in advance so it is soft, clean and comfortable.

2. Get dressed in the same place each day, keeping a consistent routine.

3. Help your child to organise their clothes prior to putting them on.

4. Point out which is the front and the back everytime your child puts a garment on.

5. Provide verbal cues by talking your child through the steps, use physical cues by putting your hands over your child’s hands to help them get dressed, and offer demonstrations by putting your clothes on at the same time.

6. Break tasks down into small steps. Successfully completing tasks will help build their confidence and self-esteem.