Last updated 16:04, Wednesday, 22 October 2008

IT can be a daunting experience saying goodbye to your child on their first day at school – but there are lots of things you can do to prepare them for their first day.

If they are already attending nursery they will be developing social skills and so it will not seem such a great leap to primary school.

Attending mother-and-toddler groups is a good opportunity to mix with other children.

Before your child starts school, he or she should be confident in going to the toilet alone, and washing and drying their hands. They should be able to attempt to dress themselves completely and put on and do up their coat.

Get you child used to the idea that they will be going to school. You need to talk to them about it and could walk or drive past it as often as possible to make them familiar with the school. You should also find out the name of your child’s class teacher before they start school.

Getting your child used to spending time without you is also a good idea.

Reading and playing games with children will give them a head-start when they get to school. Although teachers don’t expect them to be reading and counting already, introducing them to books seeing them as something to be enjoyed will only help when they start school.

On the day they start, it is important for you to trust the staff at the school – they are used to welcoming children there. If your child is clingy or tearful then take your lead from the staff about when to leave. And of course it is essential that you are on time to collect them at the end of the day!