Starting Secondary School or starting somewhere new is a big transition for both you and your child. This guide gives you a 12 minute video walkthrough for you, plus a 7 minute video walkthrough for your child. There is also an audio only version for you if you prefer to listen on the go.
We have included printable tools: a countdown checklist, conversation starters, drop of script cards and signs to watch for, as well as a transcript of the adult video if you want something to refer back to.
Practical, psychologist back support to help you both feel ready, not rattled.
Description:
Starting secondary school is one of the biggest transitions your child has faced so far and if you're feeling a little wobbly about it too, that's completely normal.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do in the weeks before the big day and beyond, from making the unfamiliar feel familiar, to handling the goodbye at the gate, to knowing what's normal (and what's not) in the weeks that follow.
You'll get a clear, practical framework instead of vague reassurance. The specific things that actually help, explained simply, so you can pick what fits your family and start there.
What's included:
Video walkthrough (approx. 12 minutes) - Zara talks you through the full transition, from preparation to the first weeks after starting
Video walkthrough (approx. 7 minutes) - Zara talks your child through the full transition, using age appropriate language
Countdown Checklist - a step-by-step printable for the weeks leading up to day one
Conversation Starters - ways to talk with your child about nursery or reception without it feeling like a big, scary topic
Script Cards - exactly what to say (and what to avoid) at drop-off and in nervous moments
Signs to Watch For - a simple guide to normal transition wobbles versus signs worth paying closer attention to
Who this is for:
Parents and carers of children starting nursery or reception this year, whether that's their very first setting or a move to a new one.
Why this guide:
Zara is a qualified child psychotherapist who has spent years supporting families through exactly this transition. This guide draws directly on her clinical experience, translated into practical steps you can use straight away with no jargon and no guesswork.