Ten top tips to help your little ones prepare for starting school

If your child is starting big school in September and has special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), Portsmouth SEND Local Offer has published ten top tips for your little ones making the move to primary school.

Starting school is an exciting time for children but for some it can feel like a big step. Being prepared and making sure you have all the right information will make you and your child feel less anxious when the time comes. In collaboration with professionals and parents, the Portsmouth Local Offer has provided some top tips to help you prepare for the move in September.

Some of these top tips include visiting the school they are moving to regularly, organising a play date with other families and creating a scrapbook together.

Jackie, a parent whose children attend a school in the city has also shared her experiences and suggestions for families who are in a similar situation to where she found herself a few years ago.

Jackie said: “When you start this journey, it can feel very lonely and daunting at first, as you want your children to be happy and settled. I learnt early on that it was important to communicate with the school to find out what they are doing to support your child’s needs. I also found out about the strategies I could use to help my children adapt to a new environment.

“My children are now receiving the support that they need and are thriving. The school day is much more settled thanks to the amazing staff at the school. It honestly makes me so emotional to see the progress my children are making.

Discover top tips and Jackie’s blog