None of us want to think about it but before we know it the new term will start and, whether your child is starting school for the first time or returning for a new school year, there are ways to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible.

Sleeping soundly and eating well
As dull as it is, good sleep and healthy food are the building blocks for all child-based preparations. Understandably, we all let the kids stay up later in the holidays, and junk food can feature pretty heavily in anyone’s summer holiday. So, to get little ones back on track, try making food preparations more interesting and involve your children. Let them help choose their sandwich fillings and prepare tasty fruit and veggies, or perhaps buy them a funky new lunchbox and water bottle to help with food planning.

Early nights are hard to achieve at any age, but if you plan fun bedtimes – a warm bubbly bath and favourite story with lots of cuddles and attention – any child will feel secure and safe settling down to sleep. Try to talk about the impending return to school in exciting terms and give them something to look forward to. This is one place where parent’s attitudes can make all the difference. Good attendance at secondary school has its foundation in primary habits, so start as you mean to continue by only ever being supportive and encouraging about their school journey – even if your personal experience wasn’t quite as exciting.

Be prepared
Being fully prepared with uniform and equipment will also ward off any low-level anxiety, as all children feel worried about being left out or getting things wrong. Ensure uniform (and shoes) fits well, they have a full pencil case and you have lunchtimes organised. These days every school has a website so if you are not sure about anything, do check in to see what the requirements are – and give yourself plenty of time to get everything together. Talking with local parents about outgrown uniforms is always worth a try, especially with the more high-ticket items like blazers or specialist sports kit!

In preparation for homework descending once again, try to encourage regular reading (your local library may offer a reading challenge during the summer for little ones) and offer some maths and logic puzzles to keep those brain cells moving.

Days out with a difference
If you know the topics for the next term, a well-placed visit to a museum or other educational centre towards the end of the holidays may be a great way to get kids thinking and asking questions – a key skill for any student. Whatever age your kids are, museums and visitor’s centres always have something of interest to grab the imagination. If you can add in a little creativity – some sketching, brass rubbing, handcrafts or, for the more digitally minded, collages on the iPad – this will all add to a child’s experience and build their confidence, making the return to school a welcome event rather than something to dread.