AS HUNDREDS of youngsters across Gwent started school for the first time this week, parents and teachers tell us about how best to manage the milestone.
A CHILD’S first day at primary school is a big step. Many won’t be used to being away from their parents or carer for a full day, while others may not have had much interaction with large groups of children.
And while it will no doubt be a proud moment for parents, there will undoubtedly be tears for mums, dads and the little ones too.
Newport mum of three Caroline Stock, 40, knows all about the trials and tribulations of the big day, having already been through it with her eldest daughter, Holly Prime, five.
And she is going through it all again this week as her second daughter, Emilia, four, joined Welsh school Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd, in Ringland, on Monday.
The youngster has already spent a year at the school’s nursery, known as the Meithrin, which Ms Stock says has prepared her well for the transition.
She said: “She’s excited because her sister has just finished reception class so she’s just following in her footsteps and she will have the same teacher.
“She already knows a few children from the Meithrin who will go on to the school with her, which helps.”
In July Ms Stock joined other parents on a school visit to meet the teachers and classroom assistants.
Likewise, Emilia and her classmates got a chance to take in their new surroundings last term so there were no big shocks on the first day.
Having done this all before Ms Stock, who also has a third daughter, Louisa, one, is less anxious than the first time, but admits it will still be hard when she has to wave her off in the morning.
She said: “She still looks so little, she’s well prepared and she’s ready for it but I think the hours are my main concern – it’s such a long day for them.
“Other than that the school have quite a good community thing going on so a lot of children and parents know each other.
“At lunch times the Meithrin and the older children all eat together so there is no fear of the bigger children like there was when I was a kid.”
But it’s not just the children who have to adapt to the change.
Ms Stock said: “It’s a massive learning curve for a parent.
There’s all the book bags, the uniforms, the PE kit you have to get, it’s quite a lot to take in but you get used to it and the schools give as much support as they can.
“You just need to write everything down – keep a diary because there is so much going on in schools with after-school clubs and events.
“Go through your children’s bags, as the schools sometimes put letters in there, and if you have any concerns contact the school.”
David Rees, head teacher of St Julian’s School, said his staff aimed to put parents at ease as much as children, and all are invited to attend an open evening to get all the information they need, He said: “It will be very difficult for some parents to hand their children over and leave them, but it’s important to let them go and to walk away because they are in very safe hands.”
Mr Rees said the school eases new pupils into their new routine with half-days in the first week, and with the teacher-to-pupil ratio now one to eight in reception class, all youngsters receive personal care.
St Julian’s reception teacher Angela Gough said one of the best ways parents could help their children adapt to the new regime was to get them excited about doing their homework from an early age.
She said children love their parents getting involved, and advised sitting down together for around at least five minutes a night to read with them, which would not only help them improve but would get them used to the increased workload.
Mrs Gough added that parents who have any concerns about their child’s progress should not hestitate to talk to their teacher.
Talk to them, and stick to a routine
TO HELP you get through the first few weeks the government has provided a number of tips at direct.gov.uk:
● Find out as much as possible about your child’s school and what happens there during the day.
● Take an interest in what your child has been doing and ask questions about what they learned.
● Listen to any worries they might have and talk things through with them.
● Encourage them to make friends in their class.
● Keep a regular routine where possible to keep stress to a minimum and let your child know what is happening on a day-to-day basis so they know in advance about any changes.
● Keep positive as many problems are naturally resolved as your child adapts to a new way of life.
● If you have any worries about how your child is doing, talk to your child’s teacher.
