Starting school at four or five can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Everything is bigger, louder, and busier than home. Long hallways, unfamiliar faces, new rules, and the challenge of being away from parents for the first time. Children may feel excited one moment and overwhelmed the next, unsure of what’s expected or how to ask for help. Even simple things, like finding the bathroom or opening a lunchbox, can feel stressful when independence is still new.

Check out our song "New Beginnings" which is a gentle, sweet song about the unfamiliarities of a new start that is made a whole lot better by the warmth and kindness of others!

As parents you can ease these worries by preparing children gently and positively. Talking about what a school day looks like, reading books about starting school, and practicing routines like getting dressed or packing a bag can build confidence. Visiting the school beforehand and meeting the teacher helps make the environment feel familiar. Most importantly, parents can validate their child’s feelings, offer reassurance, and keep goodbyes calm and consistent, showing children that school is a safe place and that they are capable of thriving there.

Our Song New Beginnings

Our song New Beginnings paints a positive picture of what children can do when they come across a child in their class on their first day in school.

Books about Starting School

The book trust has some amazing recommendations