The Impact on Children Returning to School in a New Academic Year and Starting School for the First Time: What to Expect
- Wendy Joy
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read

The start of a new academic year is a milestone that brings excitement, fresh opportunities, and, for some children, a fair amount of anxiety. Whether they’re moving up a year, or starting reception, this transition can have a significant psychological impact. Understanding what to expect can help be helpful, as can also be a challenging time for parents, caregivers.
Common Emotional Reactions
1. Excitement and Anticipation
Many children look forward to starting school, or returning as they are being reuniting with friends, meeting new teachers, and diving into new subjects. This enthusiasm can boost motivation and engagement in the early weeks. Some children like to follow their siblings into school environment, other are ready for the new experience.
2. Worries and Fears
The uncertainty of new routines, academic expectations, some may be in a new mix of
children, this can be fear and worry provoking. Some children may worry about making
friends, handling schoolwork, or fitting in with peers.
3. Overwhelm and Fatigue
Children starting reception year will become tried easily, even if they have been in nursery the same amount of time. For older children adjusting to early mornings, structured schedules, and increased demands can be exhausting—especially in the first few weeks. All age children will need extra time to adapt physically and emotionally. You may see younger children, regress in their behaviours, needing extra closeness to parents, or go back to needing comfort toys or blankets that they had given up, this is very normal.
4. Mixed Emotions
It’s common for children to experience a mixed emotions of excitement, nervousness, and sadness about the end of summer freedom, being back into uniform, and having to have a more structured day. These conflicting emotions can surface in behaviour changes, being more temperamental, wanting to be close to your parents, some may struggle with settling at night, and becoming fussy about food. These are all normal responses.
How to Support Children Through the Transition
1. Validate Their Feelings
Let children know it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during a big change. You may find
you are needing to be patient with their regressive actions. For younger children you might need to spend time with them reflecting on how you think they may be feeling. For older children encourage open conversations about their hopes and concerns for the year ahead.
2. Re-establish Routines Early
In the week leading up to the first day subtly, start easing back into school day routines for example consistent bedtimes timings and routine, waking up around the time needed for school and using similar mealtime schedules. For children who are starting school, you can have fun with them by starting to let them use their lunch box and get used to unwrapping what is inside.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
Remind children that it’s okay if they don’t have everything figured out right away. If it is a new school, they may not find your way around easily but there will be people to help and everyone will be feeling the same. Adjusting to a new academic year takes time, and
mistakes are part of the learning process. Younger children can be reminded that everyone will be new to school, most children would have met their teacher and been in their classroom though.
4. Encourage Positive Social Connections
Help children reconnect with school friends before classes begin or encourage them to
participate in activities where they can meet new peers.
5. Changes in Behaviour
Our children’s behaviours give us clues that they are finding something hard, and /or
struggling with something. Always be curious as to what the message may be, sharing and offering extra support and understanding. Remembering that it is normal for differences to be seen in children when a change is happening.
Looking Ahead
A new academic year is both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. With
understanding, preparation, and a supportive environment, children can navigate the
transition with resilience and confidence. By acknowledging their emotions and helping
them adjust at their own pace, we set the stage for a positive and productive school year.
References
British Psychological Society. (2023). Back to school: Supporting children through
transitions. Available at: https://www.bps.org.uk
YoungMinds. (2023). Supporting your child back to school. Available
Education Endowment Foundation. (2022). Transition: Moving on well to secondary
school. Available at: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
NSPCC Learning. (2023). Supporting children’s mental health at school. Available
At TCT, we provide a comprehensive range of educational development services designed to support both parents and schools. Whether you need expert guidance for your child’s learning journey or specialist consultancy for your school, we are here to help.
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