By Christine McCarthy

Most people can remember their first experience of school, so when it comes to your own child's first day it is easy to be overwhelmed by it all.

Owen prepares to set out for his big day at school

But my son Owen was in a chilled-out mood on Monday morning and had none of my first day nerves. So much so, that I actually had to remind him when he woke up that he was going to school.

"Oh yes, it is school today isn't it?" he said, with eyes glistening.

There's already plenty to worry about with the preparations for school - will he remember his manners, will he make friends, will my labels stay on his clothes?

And as if that was not enough, only last week there were accusations flying that standards among school newcomers were dropping. Some, heaven forbid, could not tie their shoelaces, dress themselves properly or eat confidently with a knife and fork.

For many parents, where time is of the essence in the morning, getting a four-year-old up, fed, dressed and out can rarely be left to the child alone. But I suppose I shouldn't make excuses and I have made an effort to train him in some of these life tasks.

'Big school'

So, wearing his uniform with pride, Owen stepped off for the walk to school, joined by mum, dad and his little brother Miles. We joined the small league of neighbours walking with their children.

For some months Owen had watched them heading off for "big school" with more than a little envy and now finally it was his turn to go.

As we rounded the corner to the school I suddenly felt my eyes go dewy. "He's my baby," I thought to myself. But there was no time for tears and Owen, bounding ahead, was on a mission.

There were strict instructions for the arrival. Parents had been asked to leave their children at the entrance door, rather than come into class.

Owen had enjoyed a morning visit organised for all new pupils in the summer term and was lucky enough to have a home visit by his school teacher, all designed to make the first day less daunting.

Meeting teacher

It seemed to work. As Owen saw his teacher coming down the corridor, he pointed and then beamed and shrunk back shyly at the same time.

Then his teacher held out his hand and gave a huge smile. As my son walked down the corridor I watched him go with motherly pride, strolling off with the back of his shirt hanging out of his trousers. That's my boy!

When 3.30pm came I was under starter's orders to pick him up, but I needn't have worried. A smiling Owen came rushing to meet me and said he'd had a great day. "We are going to school again tomorrow aren't we?" he asked hopefully.

The teacher had helped all the children make a beautiful snail with transparent coloured paper and it seemed an appropriate way to mark the special event they had all enjoyed.

It may be the first day of school, but there is a long way to go in the land of education and it might be wise to take it slowly.