Starting a new school can feel like a big step for both children and parents. Whether your child is joining at the beginning of the school year or partway through, it is completely natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.
The good news is that, from our experience, children are incredibly adaptable. With the right support, they often settle much more quickly than we expect.
Every child settles in their own way
On the first day, every child responds differently. Some walk in confidently, ready to explore, while others may feel unsure and need a little more time. Both responses are completely normal.
As teachers, we are very used to this. We are there to gently support each child, helping them feel safe, welcomed and part of the community from the very beginning.
A calm and confident goodbye helps
One of the most important things parents can do is remain positive and calm at drop-off, even if they are feeling nervous themselves. Children pick up on our emotions very easily.
If we present school as an exciting adventure, they are much more likely to feel that way too. A confident goodbye, even when it feels a little brave, can really help children settle.
This does not mean ignoring your child’s feelings. It simply means reassuring them with warmth and confidence, so they know that school is a safe and positive place to be.
Communication between home and school matters
In Early Years, the relationship between home and school is incredibly important. Strong communication helps everyone feel supported, especially during the settling-in period.
At St Andrews International School S107, we use Seesaw to give parents a window into the classroom. It is an easy way to connect with teachers, ask questions and share in your child’s day.
For many parents, this helps provide reassurance. You can see little moments from your child’s school life and feel more connected to what they are experiencing each day.
A few tears are completely normal
It is also worth remembering that a few tears in the early days are very common. In our experience, these are often harder for parents than for the children!
Most children settle within minutes of saying goodbye and go on to have a happy, busy day, while parents understandably spend a little longer worrying. We will always let you know if your child is not settling, but more often than not, they are quickly engaged in play, learning and classroom routines.
Small routines at home can make a big difference
At home, there are small but powerful ways to support your child. Talking positively about school, acknowledging their feelings and keeping routines consistent all help to build confidence.
You might talk about what they are looking forward to, remind them of their teacher’s name, or practise simple routines such as packing their bag, putting on their shoes or saying goodbye at the door.
Over time, you will start to notice small signs of progress. It might be a smile at drop-off, a story about a new friend, or excitement about coming back the next day. These little moments are often the first signs that your child is beginning to feel settled.
Name everything
A practical tip from both a teacher and a parent: name everything!
In Early Years, we encourage children to begin taking responsibility for their own belongings and to develop independence, including getting changed. However, they will not yet remember which shorts, shirts or socks are theirs.
Clear labelling makes a huge difference. It helps children, teachers and parents, and it saves a lot of time at the end of a busy school day.
Do not worry about a messy uniform
Finally, please do not worry if your child comes home a little messy.
Early Years is an active, hands-on environment, and learning can be wonderfully messy. Paint on a sleeve, sand in a shoe, or a slightly untidy uniform usually means your child has been fully involved in the day.
In many ways, a messy uniform is a good sign. It often means your child has been exploring, creating, playing and learning with confidence.
I often tell parents that if a child comes home with green knees from the field or paint on their smock, it’s a badge of honor for a day well-spent.
Starting school is a journey
Starting a new school is a journey, but it is one children rarely take alone. With strong relationships, positivity and a little time, what begins as something unfamiliar soon becomes a place where your child feels happy, safe, confident and ready to learn.
At St Andrews International School S107, we understand that the first day is an important moment for the whole family. Our role is to help each child feel welcomed, supported and ready to take their next step with confidence.
