Transition to secondary school

Travelling to school For many children, this may be the first time they have travelled to school by bus or train. Make sure that you have taken them on the route and that they know exactly where to board the bus/train and where to get off. A dummy run with Mum or Dad is always very reassuring. There may be an older child at the same school who lives nearby and who would be happy to accompany your child on the first day.

Children can be embarrassed by not looking right, or not having the right equipment. Make sure you - and your child - have checked carefully the list provided by the school of necessary uniform and equipment .

They may have to choose a school dinner rather than packed lunches. Ask about the cost of these if they have to pay for it daily. There is nothing worse than choosing something and be embarrassed by it costing more than you expected.

Most children now have mobile phones and they can use these to contact you. Reassure them that you will be available for them over the first few days. Remind them they must jnot use them during lesson times! After the first week the routines are established and then they are confident and happy.

Geography of school

Your child will have seen around the school at Parents evening and visiting days. It may seem enormous to them and they may be worried about finding their way around. The schools often provide a map especially with their Information pack. Ensure that your child has this.

Most schools will have a Senior pupil in charge of an individual or a group of pupils. This ‘buddy’ system works well and is very reassuring. It gives the new pupil the opportunity to ask the older person any question as well as finding their way around. They may not know where to put their sports equipment, how to hand in homework, where the nearest toilets are etc.

I think you will find that all Secondary schools take a great pride in ensuring that new pupils are made to feel ‘at home’.

Homework It may be the first time that your child has had homework. This will be introduced in the school as a gradual process. It is a good idea to have a quiet space in the house for your child to do their homework. They may need access to a computer. At the start all pupils will need some reassurance, help and advice.

Tips for parents

Many parents are anxious about their child starting a secondary school

• .Do not show your anxiety to your child

• Try and reassure and arrange for one parent to be there in the morning and be there when he comes home

• Make sure your child has a visit to the school during term time.

• Take your child on the journey to school and on the route home again before the first morning

• Be ready for some insecurity childish behaviour, tears etc. Be sympathetic

• Take an interest in the new subjects and new friends

• Ensure you know the pastoral care at school and that your child has all the support that they may need.

• Homework needs to be done. Make sure there is a quiet place to work. Some children like to do it immediately they come home. Others need a break before starting.

• Your child needs to learn to work on their own and organise their own time. Try not to interfere too much unless the work is not getting done.