ESF Peak
School
ESF Peak
School
Talk them through
what will happen so
they know what to
expect and listen
to any worries they
may have
small toy will help children in their
transition as it provides comfort and
reassurance whenever necessary,”
Tess explains.
Goodbye rituals
When the time comes to drop your
child to the school bus or to their new
classroom, take the time to reassure
her and explain when you will return.
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Rituals such as a big hug and a wave
goodbye can help comfort children and
build confidence that you will return
when you say you will, says Tess.
Demonstrate trust in the teacher
When you hand your little treasure over
to the care of the teacher, carefully
consider your words and actions.
“If the parent exhibits through body
language their lack of confidence and
anxiety about leaving their child, there
are far more likely to be difficulties in
separating. However, if children arrive
at school with a secure attachment to
the parent and the parent then estab-
lishes a trusting relationship with the
teacher, then all will go well,” says Julie
Lam, a founding member of Highgate
House School at the Peak.
Primary school
Encourage independence
Independence is one of the most
important skills that children need to
develop before starting school, ESF
Peak School Year 1 teachers Loraine
Fay and Anna Casley advise.
“Being independent will ensure
a successful transition from kinder-
garten and foster a sense of personal
success. This will help your child thrive
in the new school environment,” they
explain.
Over the summer break, take the
time to teach your child to pack and
unpack his own school bag, dress and
undress himself, feed himself, open
lunch boxes and drinking bottles, use
the toilet and wash hands himself.
Teach him to recognise his own name,
develop his listening skills, and learn
to express his own needs. “Starting
school is a big step for a little person.
We can all help by encouraging young
children to express their needs using
words. Set up scenarios at home
where your child will need to ask for
help and model with your child how
to do this and the words to use, for
example, asking to use the toilet,
explaining if you have a problem or