Starting school is a big deal for our littlies, and their parents.

Apart from the new rules and having to wear a uniform, your child will be among children that they have not met before in an unfamiliar environment.

There is the possibility your child may feel a little anxious about these change; but there is also the potential for them to feel valued, cared for and excited about their new school experience.

Council’s Manager of Early Learning Centres shares her top five tips for parents to help make their child’s transition to school a smooth one.

1. Talk to your child about the school they will be attending and even visit the school grounds and have a play with your child there, so they can become familiar with the environment.
2. Read stories together about starting school and share experiences from when you were growing up.
3. Make regular time to listen to your child’s thoughts and be ready to support them. Ask them about their day, their school activities, their friends and their teachers but don’t be alarmed if they don’t tell you everything. Sometimes they just need to process it all quietly!
4. Make sure they get lots of sleep. Those first few months at school can be exhausting for your little one absorbing so much new information.
5. Stay engaged through the year. Talk to the teachers, share relevant information from home; ask questions and attend parent-teacher interviews.

Good luck! It’s an exciting milestone for you and your child.