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Moving from primary school to secondary school is an exciting yet daunting time for our children. They are going from an environment they are used to, where they are the oldest, to a new, bigger, noisier school, where they are now the youngest and don’t know their way around.

Common worries your child may feel:

• how big the new school is and worried they’ll get lost
• the pressure of new subjects to learn and teachers to meet
• not having the ‘right’ uniform
• not knowing anyone else or not being in the same class or school as their primary school friends
• being intimidated by the older children and worrying that they may pick on them

Discuss their fears, listen, be available to them and offer reassurance. It is natural that they (and you) may feel nervous.

Tips to help your child be prepared to settle in well:

• speak with their primary school and share any concerns you may have. Find out what transition support they are offering for Year 6 pupils.
• begin in the summer holidays helping your child to be more independent – ask them to nip to the shops, encourage meet ups with friends
• provide them with all the correct uniform – your child’s school will give you a checklist for this. If you need support with items of uniform, please contact FUSS -free uniforms for schools
• ensure they know their route to school,  do practice runs of the walk, bus or train journey with them before the beginning of term
• practise how to tie a tie
• check to see if your child is entitled to free travel to school by visiting Wirral Council – Free travel to school
• encourage them to leave the house in plenty of time so they don’t get stressed rushing or have to walk into a classroom after everyone else

In the first term:

• look at their timetable and homework planner with them, help them to prioritise and be organised. Create ‘to do’ lists together so they don’t become overwhelmed
• chat to them about any worries; just having a safe space to share their thoughts is helpful
• encourage them to join the extra curricular activities, such as sporting clubs; this will support friendships and confidence
• sleep, sleep and more sleep. Starting a new school can be exhausting, with lots of walking and their brains spinning with new information. Having a great sleep routine will always set your child up for a good day.