Primary School Places 2026: What to Do Next & How to Prepare Your Child for Starting School
Finding out your child’s primary school place is a huge milestone, and one that often comes with mixed emotions. Whether you’re celebrating your first-choice offer or feeling disappointed, this is a key moment in your child’s journey to starting primary school.
In this guide, we’ll cover how parents typically feel on offer day, what to do if you didn’t get your preferred school, and practical ways to support your child’s school readiness—both academically and emotionally.
How Parents Feel on Primary School Offer Day
t’s completely normal to experience a range of emotions when you receive your child’s primary school offer:
Relief and excitement
Anxiety about the transition
Worry about whether your child is “ready”
Disappointment if you didn’t get your first choice
Every parent wants the best start for their child. The good news is that children can thrive in many different school environments when they feel supported, confident, and secure.
What If You Didn’t Get Your First Choice School?
If you didn’t receive your preferred primary school place, don’t worry - this happens to many families every year.
Here’s what you can do next:
Join the waiting list for your preferred school
Appeal the decision if you feel strongly
Visit your allocated school with an open mind
Focus on your child’s emotional readiness for school, which matters just as much as the setting
Many children go on to have happy, successful school experiences in schools their parents hadn’t originally chosen.
How to Prepare Your Child for Starting Primary School
When it comes to how to prepare your child for school, it’s about more than reading and writing. True school readiness includes emotional, social, and practical skills.
1. Build Independence
Encourage your child to:
Get dressed independently
Use the toilet confidently
Manage basic hygiene (washing hands, wiping nose)
2. Support Social Skills
Help your child practise:
Sharing and turn-taking
Listening to others
Expressing their needs clearly
3. Establish Routines Early
Creating consistent routines now will make the transition smoother:
Regular bedtimes
Calm, predictable mornings
Structured mealtimes
4. Talk Positively About School
Children pick up on your emotions. Keep conversations about starting school reassuring and positive.
Emotional School Readiness: Why It Matters Most
One of the most searched concerns by parents is “is my child ready for school?”—and often, the answer lies in emotional readiness.
Children benefit from:
Feeling confident being away from parents
Managing small challenges independently
Understanding and expressing emotions
If a child feels emotionally secure, they are far more likely to engage, learn, and settle into school life successfully.
When Separation Feels Hard: Supporting Younger & More Sensitive Children
For some children, the transition to school can feel especially challenging, particularly when it comes to separating from their parents or carers. This is completely normal, and it can be influenced by a range of factors, including personality, previous experiences, or simply needing a little more time to adjust.
If your child is summer-born, you might also be wondering whether they’re too young to start school just yet. It’s common for parents to question whether their child would benefit from a reduced timetable, a more gradual transition, or even deferring school entry. These are all valid and important considerations.
The key thing to remember is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every child develops at their own pace.
The good news is that there are plenty of strategies you can start using now to support your child’s confidence and independence, including:
Practising short separations (e.g. staying with a trusted adult)
Building familiarity with new environments
Encouraging independence in small, manageable steps
Talking positively and reassuringly about school
If you feel your child may need additional support or adjustments, it’s helpful to start conversations early. Speak with your child’s school (and, if needed, other professionals) to explore what accommodations could be put in place and create a plan that supports a smooth, positive start.
With the right support and preparation, even children who find separation difficult can build the confidence they need to settle and thrive.
School Anxiety & School Refusal: What Parents Need to Know
It’s common for children to feel nervous about starting school, but some may experience school anxiety or even school refusal.
Signs to look out for:
Clinginess at drop-off
Complaints of tummy aches or headaches
Tearful or withdrawn behaviour
Resistance to getting ready for school
To support your child:
Keep routines consistent
Stay calm and reassuring
Avoid long or emotional goodbyes
Work closely with your child’s teacher
Early support is key to preventing anxiety from becoming a longer-term issue.
How to Create Stress-Free School Mornings
Parents often search for “how to make school mornings easier”, and small changes can make a big difference.
Try these simple strategies:
Prepare uniforms, bags, and lunches the night before
Use visual checklists or routines
Wake up slightly earlier to avoid rushing
Keep mornings calm and predictable
A positive start to the day can significantly reduce stress for both parent and child.
Expert Support for School Readiness & Anxiety
If you’re looking for practical, expert-led guidance, The Parenting Solutions Studio offers a range of workshops designed to support both you and your child through this transition.
Inside The Parenting Solutions Studio you’ll find a whole section on School Transition including:
School Readiness Workshops
Focus on both academic readiness and emotional development
Led by The Positive Parent Coach and Emma Lewry, a leading UK Head Teacher and founder of Every Day’s a School Day
Includes practical tools and resources you can use at home
School Anxiety & Resistance Support
Understand the root causes of school anxiety
Learn strategies to support your child with confidence
Access helpful, ready-to-use resources
Stress-Free Morning Routines
Simple, realistic approaches to calmer mornings
Reduce daily stress and struggles around getting to school
Final Thoughts: Supporting Your Child Through Starting School
Starting primary school is a major life transition for both children and parents. Whether you’re feeling confident or concerned, the most important thing you can offer your child is reassurance, consistency, and support.
With the right preparation and guidance, your child can start school feeling confident, capable, and ready to thrive.
