Preparing your child practically for secondary school

I'm Dr. Anna Colton. I'm a Child and Adolescent Psychologist and I work a lot with pupils and parents on transitions from primary to secondary school to make sure that they go as smoothly and easily as possible. A lot of parents share the same practical concerns about their children going to secondary school. And today, I'm going to offer some simple advice on the best ways to get you through. So let's get started!

I'm worried my child will forget books and kit they need because there's so much to take with them every day.

That is a great question. I've found that a checklist right by the front door works really well. But if they don't even look at that then set an alarm on their phone with a list popping up each morning 15 minutes before it's time to go. And you'll know they look at that.

Do secondary school age children still need a bedtime routine?

A bedtime routine during secondary school is super important because to be able to embrace everything that school offers, they need to be well slept and well rested. It's also super important that all devices and screens go off at least an hour before bedtime so that their brain just relaxes and then they're ready to sleep when they get into bed.

My child has never used a bus alone before or ever had to walk anywhere without me. What do I do to make sure she's confident about that?

Most kids are really excited about the independence they get from traveling on their own and they're delighted to learn how to buy a ticket, how to use travel cards - so teach them. Do it with them the first couple of times, then they can do it with a friend and maybe once or twice themselves.

My child is terrified of getting lost in their new school. How can I help them with that?

That is a really common concern. Children do fear getting lost and being late for lessons or not knowing where they are. Transition days really help with that. They get used to the new school a little bit but once they've arrived and they've started, they should know they can ask any teacher and they will be helped.

My child is really worried about the school canteen. How do you think I can help them with that?

The school canteen can be really daunting. But many schools now use biometric data. Which means that your child puts their thumb on a scanner and payment for lunch is taken from your online account. But if they do need lunch money, take them to a cafe a few times over the summer. They'll choose their own food, they'll pay, they'll check the change and it all just becomes natural very, very quickly. And of course the most important thing of all, is to teach them how to make healthy food choices. Allow them to cook at home a little bit and talk to them about what makes a healthy lunch.

How do I help them keep on top of their homework?

It is likely that they're gonna get a bit more homework and it's about helping them understand when they need to do it. They'll have the digital portal where they can keep track of it. They may well have a paper planner as well. Some schools have a homework club and that's an option too.

How do I know what my child needs for school?

Every school will have all the information you need either online or in the handbook. And kids really enjoy finding this out as well so it can be something really nice to do together over the summer. And if you get really stuck, just call the school and they will help you.

What can I practice with my child over the summer?

There's lots you can practice with your child. Teach them to tie their tie and they can practice that. And you can let them learn how to use their compasses, look at their geometry sets and any other special equipment they'd need for science or maths.

My child has a medical condition. What can I do to make sure they're supported?

Although the unexpected does sometimes happen, about 99 percent of what occurs can be planned for. Go into school before they start and discuss with their teacher and the school nurse, and your child, what needs to happen. And it can be as straightforward as just making sure your daughter has a pack of sanitary towels in her bag. And if your child has any educational access or religious requirements, go into school and talk to the staff so that your child starts on their first day completely confident that everything's been taken care of.