As the summer holidays come to an end and families are preparing for the return to school, Wiltshire Council is sharing practical advice to help children and young people settle in smoothly and start the year positively.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council said: “The start of a new school year is a significant moment for children and young people. It’s a time of change, growth, and opportunity. We know that some children may feel anxious, especially if they’re starting a new school or year group. For families where children are starting school for the first time this is a very special stage and they may feel equally excited and apprehensive for them. With the right support and preparation, families can help their children feel confident and ready to thrive. We’ve pulled together some advice to help parents and carers prepare.”

Top tips to be ready for school include:

• Check immunisations. If you are not sure your child has had all their routine immunisations, check their personal child health record (red book) or contact your doctor. For a checklist of the vaccinations and the ages visit: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/
• Talk about school positively – discuss what your child is looking forward to for example seeing friends, meeting teachers, or favourite subjects – to build excitement and reduce anxiety
• Encourage good attendance – establish strong habits early. Some children are anxious about starting school and where there are concerns, talk to the school as they can support. You can also talk to our
• Education Welfare Service by contacting ews@wiltshire.gov.uk
• Ease into routines – gradually adjust bedtimes and wake-up times to match the school schedule
• Support mealtime habits – try to have lunch at the same time each day to adjust to school routines. Practice using cutlery with younger children
• Support emotional wellbeing – if your child feels anxious, reassure them and talk through their worries
• Walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting to school can be fun. Sustrans has advice on this: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/get-active/9-reasons-to-cycle-scoot-or-walk-the-school-run/
• Free school meals – All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 are automatically entitled to a free lunch at school. More information: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schools-learning-free-school-meals
• Wraparound childcare – If you need childcare before or after school, visit your child’s school website for more information.

For children starting reception, some other points to help them be ready:

• Practice independence – encourage young children to manage tasks like dressing, using cutlery, and packing their school bag. These skills boost confidence and readiness
• Prepare for separation – for younger children, practice short periods of independent play to help them get used to being apart from parents during the school day
• Visit https://startingreception.co.uk/ and https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/curations/starting-school-curation for ideas on things to do at home to support your child to be ready for school
• If your child has special educational needs and or disabilities you can find support at: https://localoffer.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/4249/Moving-to-primary-education
• Wiltshire Family Hubs offer lots of support, courses and advice for not only your child starting school, but what’s next for you as a parent. Visit: https://wiltshirefamilyhubs.org.uk/