Six ways to prepare your child for school

Starting school is exciting for both parents and child. Here's how to make sure you have a great head start.

1. Do set routines for getting up, bedtimes and mealtimes in the run up to September.

2. Don't ignore unacceptable behaviour. Set clear boundaries and praise good behaviour.

3. Do help your child to learn to be apart from you for short periods of time if they don't already attend nursery.

4. Don't worry that they don't know the alphabet or get their numbers muddled. Most children starting reception are just the same. It's far more important that they learn through play, with farm animals, jigsaws, tea sets and building blocks.

5. Do read a short story to your child every day. This builds up awareness of the printed word. Encourage language skills by talking about what they're doing and seeing. Also, sing nursery rhymes and play I spy games and other games.

6. Don't pressurise your child to perform or compare them to other children of their age. And remember it's important for them to have some downtime.

More help and advice

- It's not just the kids who get upset. Read one mum's story...
- Help them prepare for their first day
- Expert advice: Be positive and so will your children

By Tamsin Kelly