When your child first attends school, he is moving from a secure environment into the unknown. He needs to know that you are confident, knowledgeable and supportive of the new place that he is going into, and are happy to work with the school to expand the environment in which he feels safe and supported. 
 
1.    Ensure you know the names of the teacher and teaching assistant. Talk positively about them at home to show that you value them and their work.
2.    Make sure you know what the school expects in terms of homework, support and being organised.  (e.g. PE kit on Tuesday)
3.    Make sure you understand the school’s communication systems (how they send messages home, what to do in the event of sickness or snow,  how they collect money etc.).
4.    Support school events as much as possible, not just with money, but with help.
5.    If you have time, consider getting involved in school activities as a volunteer (as a classroom assistant, library helper, governor, on school trips etc).
6.    If family circumstances change (divorce, bereavement, separation, new baby etc.) make sure that the teacher is aware of the situation.
7.    Build “homework” tasks such as reading and making things into the after-school routine, but make sure that the child gets a break from school work.
8.    Avoid being critical of things that happen at school in front of the child. It will undermine his feeling of security.
9.    Make sure you have a smooth routine in the morning, so that the child arrives at school unstressed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
10.    Avoid the temptation to make comparisons (either positive or negative) with other members of the class or family.  

                      

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