As children across the UK return to school following the summer break, experts offer guidance to help parents and children navigate the often challenging transition from holiday routines to the structure of the school year. With Scotland’s schools already reopened and other regions preparing to follow, psychological, nutritional, and educational specialists stress the importance of preparation, gradual adjustment, and supportive routines.
Education researcher Dr. Özgür Bolat emphasizes that the goal is not to eliminate nervousness but to equip children with coping strategies that foster confidence and resilience. “Good preparation gives children concrete coping strategies and helps them enter school feeling sufficiently safe and capable to learn, connect and engage,” he says.
Small everyday tasks provide valuable opportunities for children to develop independence. Michelle Demirtas, head of early childhood education at Bright Horizons, highlights the significance of allowing children to do things themselves, such as setting the table or tying their shoes, even if it takes longer or involves mistakes. These moments encourage problem-solving skills essential for the school environment.
Familiarity with new items related to school, like uniforms or lunchboxes, also helps ease the transition. Psychologist Dr. Martha Deiros Collado advises parents to encourage children to break in new shoes and try out their uniform and stationery ahead of time to avoid discomfort and build comfort with changes.
Adjusting bedtime routines is another key focus. Sleep expert Lisa Artis recommends a “screen sunset” approach, where electronic devices are put away together as a family before bedtime to reduce stimulation and improve sleep quality. This strategy can ease children’s adjustment to earlier and more consistent bedtimes during the school term.
For older children beginning secondary education or changing schools, planning and practicing the journey ahead of time can alleviate anxiety. Gitanjali Bhattacharya, director of Lumina Tutoring, suggests realistic rehearsals during typical school mornings to familiarize students with travel times and routes. Bhattacharya also encourages families to use weekly meetings to coordinate schedules, enhance communication, and build teenagers’ confidence.
Nutrition and immune health are equally important considerations. Natalie Louise Burrows, head of nutrition at Tonic Health, highlights the benefits of nutritious, sustaining breakfasts over sugary options, which help stabilize children’s energy levels throughout the day. She also underscores the importance of a varied diet, sufficient sleep, good hand hygiene, and adherence to vitamin D supplementation guidelines to bolster immunity as children resume daily close contact with peers.
Experts also caution against common parenting pitfalls during this transition. Ilona Andrews, a sleep consultant, warns against immediately resuming all extracurricular activities, advocating for a lighter first week to allow children time to adjust. Both Demirtas and Dr. Bolat advise parents to acknowledge and address children’s specific worries rather than dismissing them, and to support independence rather than taking over tasks children are capable of managing themselves.
Kate Williams, a teacher and neurodiversity coach, reminds parents that every child’s needs differ, particularly for those with special educational needs, advising them to trust their instincts and tailor preparations accordingly.
Together, these recommendations aim to create a smoother, more supportive return to school, prioritizing children’s emotional wellbeing, practical readiness, and family involvement.