Starting school is a big milestone—for children and parents alike! Preparing ahead helps ease nerves, build excitement, and ensure your child begins their school journey with confidence.
Here are our top tips to help families get ready for 2026:
1.Talk about what School will be like
Discuss your child’s upcoming school day in simple, positive terms. Explain routines like arrival and dismissal, classroom activities, playground time, and how they’ll meet new teachers and friends. Asking questions like, “What do you think you might enjoy most about school?” helps children process their feelings and feel more comfortable with the unknown.
2. Practice Independence Skills
Encourage your child to try everyday tasks like putting on shoes, opening lunchboxes, or packing their school bag. These small wins build confidence and self-reliance.
Also include uniform practice: have them put on their uniform themselves, practice zipping jackets, fastening buttons, or tying shoelaces to make mornings smoother.
3. Establish Routines Early
School mornings can be hectic if children aren’t used to early wake-ups. Start moving bedtime and wake-up times earlier a few weeks before school commences.
Practising morning routines- like getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing a bag; reduces stress and gives children a sense of confidence and control.
4. Visit the school grounds
A pre-visit can make a big difference. Walk around the playground, look at classrooms, and locate key areas like the office or library. If your school offers orientation sessions or “meet the teacher” days, attend them. Familiarity with the environment helps reduce first-day anxiety.
5. Read books together about starting school
Storybooks are a gentle way to prepare children for school. They can spark conversations about emotions, friendships, and routines. Titles such as “Starting School, Big School, or My First Day” (available in AUS/NZ libraries and bookstores) are popular choices. Reading together helps children understand what to expect and normalises their feelings
6. Book your Uniform Fittings Early
Uniforms are more than clothing, they’re part of your child’s school identity and help them feel proud.
- Book fittings for before the new year to avoid the January rush.
- Allow time for any size adjustments or exchanges.
- Ensure your child feels comfortable and confident in their uniform from day one.
Consider trying the uniform on at home before school starts. This helps your child get used to wearing it, ensures everything fits comfortably, and reduces first-day fuss.
Having the right uniform ready also gives families peace of mind and lets children focus on learning, not adjusting poorly fitted clothing.
7. Organise Lunch & Snacks
Practice packing lunches and snacks so your child can manage independently. Test opening containers, drinking from water bottles, and identifying healthy options. Doing a few “trial runs” during the holidays helps children feel capable and reduces lunchtime stress in the first weeks.
8. Label Everything (Seriously, Everything!)
Kids have a special talent for losing things; hats, drink bottles, lunchboxes… sometimes even their socks!
Make life easier by clearly labelling every item your child brings to school. Durable options like iron-on clothing labels, waterproof stickers for bottles, or colourful tags make belongings easy to spot and harder to “accidentally misplace.”
A little label now = fewer missing items and a lot less stress later!
9. Arrange Playdates with Classmates
Friendships help children settle into school faster. If you know other children in the same year level, organise casual playdates or visits to the school playground. Familiar faces on day one make children feel more secure and excited about starting school.
10. Celebrate the Milestone
Starting school is a big achievement! Take photos, have a small celebration, or make a “first-day-of-school” tradition. Positive reinforcement helps children approach the experience with confidence and excitement rather than fear.
Remember, starting school is a big step for both children and parents. By planning ahead and supporting your child; including preparing uniforms and essentials early, you’re helping them feel ready and proud.
Trust yourself; you know your child best, and you’ve got this!
