The first day at school can be tough for children and parents, but with a little preparation it'll be easier for you to cope.
It helps if your child has the practical skills that schools expect before they start. "He or she should know how to sit still, wait and listen," says parenting expert and mother of three, Dr Pat Spungin.
"This can be especially hard for little boys, who are very physical. They have to be toilet trained and know how to undress and dress themself for PE. So ask yourself whether your child is ready to do those things. If not, it's a good idea to teach them those skills.
"They will probably be quite nervous about starting. But you can't always tell who will settle and who won't. A sociable child won't necessarily fit into school straight away.
Visit the Pacey website for starting school factsheets for parents.
Last updated: 4th November 2025 at 10:56