Single Parent FAQs: Supporting children with school transitions – Issue 40

Starting P1 is a big milestone. To help your child prepare: 

• Talk positively about school and share the things you think they might enjoy about it
• Practise routines like putting on shoes or going to the toilet independently 
• Visit the school together if you can as many offer settling-in days 
• Encourage social skills like turn-taking, sharing and asking for help 
• Try not to worry if they seem anxious. It’s natural, and most children settle with time 

This can be a big emotional shift, and a practical one too. You can help by: 

• Talking openly about what’s changing and what will stay the same 
• Reassuring them that nerves are normal 
• Helping them get familiar with the new school, use online tours or visit days 
• Practising the journey to school together 
• Making sure they know who they can talk to at school if they’re worried 

Try to stay calm and supportive: 

• Give them the space to share their feelings without pressure 
• Avoid minimising (“you’ll be fine!”) and instead try to say validating things like, “It’s okay to feel nervous” 
• Use books or videos about change and transitions 
• Stick to familiar routines at home to provide stability 
• Speak to the school as they may offer nurture groups, extra visits, or a named contact for support 

In Scotland, schools have a duty to support children with additional needs. You can: 

• Ask for a transition plan meeting with the school (and nursery if relevant) 
• Tell school staff about the strategies that work well for your child 
• Request a co-ordinated support plan (CSP) if your child’s needs are complex 
• Involve other professionals (e.g. speech therapists or social workers) in planning the move if necessary

For more advice, contact Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support learning. Call their helpline on 0345 123 2303 

It’s completely normal to feel emotional when your child moves on. You might feel proud, anxious, or even a bit lost. 

• Give yourself permission to feel however you feel 
• Talk to other parents who are going through the same thing 
• Keep perspective – change can be positive for both of you 
• Reach out for support if you’re struggling  

Depending on your income or circumstances, you may be eligible for: 

• School Clothing Grant which is financial help with the costs of school uniforms
• Free School Meals are automatically given to P1–P5, and are available to others on qualifying benefits 
• Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) which is for older pupils staying on at school 
• Assistance with school transport which you can ask your local council about

• Give it time, some children take longer than others to settle into a new environment
• Keep communication open with the school and your child 
• Ask about support options (e.g. guidance teacher, pupil support) 
• Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re worried about behaviour changes or school refusal 

• Parent Club Scotland 
• Enquire call the helpline on 0345 123 2303 
• Education Support Grant Info
• Parentline Scotland call the helpline on 08000 28 22 33