Is your little one starting school this year? Wondering if they — and you! — are ready?
Here are a few things you can do to put your mind at ease, and send them off on their first day knowing you’ve made the right decision.
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So your little baby is off to school — terrifying, right? Yup, for you anyhow! They, for the most part, are thrilled to be heading to “Big School”!
But sometimes there are niggles that we, as parents, have around this momentous stage in their lives. Are they ready? Will they be okay? Should they stay in playschool for another year? Will they make friends? Will they be able to sit still?
There’s no single “thing” that tells us for certain whether our child is ready for school — but there are a few things you can do to put your mind at ease.
You may also like this First Day of School – Poem for Parents & 14 Ways To Help Your Child Settle At School
Take This Quick Test
This quick test can help you gauge whether your child is nearly ready for school. Just answer yes or no to the following questions:
Can your child go to the toilet alone?- Does your child have friends?
- Can your child stay at a task for longer than 5 minutes?
- Does your child know how to count to 10?
- Do they know most of their colours and ABCs?
- Can they hold a pencil and use scissors?
If you answered yes to most of these, your little person is nearly there!
You may also like 20 Tips for Your Child Starting School & Tips for Starting School with Serious Allergies
Any Concerns About Development?
Do you have a concern about your child’s development, or do they have additional needs?
If so, you’ll need to speak to your child’s new school so they know your child well from day one. Remember, there are lots of children starting together, so unless you highlight a need, it may not be picked up immediately.
Unsure If Your Child Has Additional Needs?
Speak to your child’s principal about your concern. In Ireland, the school can arrange to have your child assessed through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), or you can arrange a private educational psychological assessment, which you would pay for yourself.
You may also like Top Tips for Starting School – Q&A with John Sharry & 5 Sleep Routine Tips for Back to School
Practical Tips Before They Start
As parents, there are also some practical things you can do to help prepare your little ones for their big day.
1. 
In Ireland, most primary school books, copybooks and workbooks are now provided free of charge on a loan basis — they belong to the school and are returned at the end of the year. Get your child involved in labelling their loaned books so they feel a sense of ownership, and talk to them about minding books that need to go back at the end of the year. Some schools may still ask for a small fee for photocopying or extra materials, so check with your school about anything outside the free scheme.
2. Involve your child in choosing their school bag, pencil case, pencils and colouring or art equipment wherever possible.
3. Bring your child to see their school — drive past or walk there together to build a sense of excitement.
4. And last but not least… remember, you are the barometer for your child. They will look to see how you’re reacting to a new situation to gauge how they should react. So — big smiles, positivity, build the excitement, talk about school, get books from the library, and breathe. They will be okay, we promise!
You may find these checklists helpful — School Supplies Checklist & Be Ready for Back to School – Free Checklist
You may also like 10 Back to School Favourites to Get the Kids Organised
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child is ready for school?
There’s no single test, but signs like going to the toilet independently, having a couple of friends, being able to sit at a task for a few minutes, and knowing basic colours, letters and numbers are all good indicators. Use the quick test above as a general guide rather than a strict checklist — every child develops at their own pace.
What if I think my child has additional needs?
Speak to your school’s principal as early as possible so they can support your child from day one. In Ireland, schools can arrange an assessment through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), or you can organise a private assessment yourself.
Do I need to buy schoolbooks before my child starts school in Ireland?
Most primary schools now provide books, copybooks and workbooks free of charge on a loan basis, so buying a full set yourself generally isn’t necessary. Check with your child’s school for anything specific they ask families to provide, as some small costs — like photocopying — may still apply.
Related Reading
If this article was useful, you might also like:
- First Day of School – Poem for Parents
- 14 Ways To Help Your Child Settle At School
- 20 Tips for Your Child Starting School
- Top Tips for Starting School – Q&A with John Sharry
- Back to School Supplies Checklist
Before You Go
Starting school is a big milestone — for both of you! Browse more of our back-to-school ideas and tips, or save this article to come back to as the big day gets closer.
Any tips you found useful for helping your little one start school? Let us know in the comments below.
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