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The Starting School Book: How to choose, prepare for and settle your child at school
An indispensable guide for parents whose children are about to start, or have recently started school.
Starting school is a huge important milestone for children and their parents. The best school years happen when everyone involved feels happy and engaged with the whole experience, and yet, with so much information to digest and so little guidance available, the process can be incredibly confusing.
The Starting School Book is a reassuring and practical guide for parents of school-age children. Sarah Ockwell-Smith provides clear and helpful advice for each stage of the process, whether your are just beginning to think about your child's education, applying for a school place, preparing your child for starting at the school you have chosen, or your child has already started school and you would like to help smooth the transition.
Specific guidance
* Starting school ages, policies and procedures
* How to decide the best starting age for a summer-born child
* What to look for when choosing a school and what questions to ask when you visit
* How to prepare your child emotionally and practically for starting school
* Common concerns including settling in, separation anxiety, friendship issues, school refusal and reconnecting with your child at the end of the day
* Understanding your own feelings about the transition and your role in the wider school community
With case studies and advice from parents who have been through it, and enlightening tips from teachers, The Starting School Book provides all the information you need to help your child have a positive, calm and happy school experience.
Starting school is a huge important milestone for children and their parents. The best school years happen when everyone involved feels happy and engaged with the whole experience, and yet, with so much information to digest and so little guidance available, the process can be incredibly confusing.
The Starting School Book is a reassuring and practical guide for parents of school-age children. Sarah Ockwell-Smith provides clear and helpful advice for each stage of the process, whether your are just beginning to think about your child's education, applying for a school place, preparing your child for starting at the school you have chosen, or your child has already started school and you would like to help smooth the transition.
Specific guidance
* Starting school ages, policies and procedures
* How to decide the best starting age for a summer-born child
* What to look for when choosing a school and what questions to ask when you visit
* How to prepare your child emotionally and practically for starting school
* Common concerns including settling in, separation anxiety, friendship issues, school refusal and reconnecting with your child at the end of the day
* Understanding your own feelings about the transition and your role in the wider school community
With case studies and advice from parents who have been through it, and enlightening tips from teachers, The Starting School Book provides all the information you need to help your child have a positive, calm and happy school experience.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2020
43 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Ockwell-Smith
84 books228 followersBorn in Bedfordshire, England in 1976, Sarah Ockwell-Smith is a mother of four school aged children, three boys and one girl.
After graduating with an honors degree in Psychology, specialising in child development, she embarked on a five year career in Pharmaceutical Research and Development, working with clinical trial data, until she became pregnant with her first child in 2001. After the birth of her firstborn Sarah retrained as an Antenatal Teacher, hypnotherapist/Psychotherapist, Infant Massage Instructor and Birth and Postnatal Doula. Over the years Sarah has updated her knowledge with various study days and courses including paediatric first aid, paediatric safeguarding, perinatal psychology and birth trauma.
Sarah now works as a parenting author, writer and coach. With a particular interest in child sleep.
After graduating with an honors degree in Psychology, specialising in child development, she embarked on a five year career in Pharmaceutical Research and Development, working with clinical trial data, until she became pregnant with her first child in 2001. After the birth of her firstborn Sarah retrained as an Antenatal Teacher, hypnotherapist/Psychotherapist, Infant Massage Instructor and Birth and Postnatal Doula. Over the years Sarah has updated her knowledge with various study days and courses including paediatric first aid, paediatric safeguarding, perinatal psychology and birth trauma.
Sarah now works as a parenting author, writer and coach. With a particular interest in child sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 8, 2025
I'm very emotional about my son starting school especially as he's the youngest in his class.
This book has helped ease my mind a bit and I definitely think preparation is key.
I'll be referring back to this book as the year goes on as well I'm sure.
Just hoping it all goes well ❤️
This book has helped ease my mind a bit and I definitely think preparation is key.
I'll be referring back to this book as the year goes on as well I'm sure.
Just hoping it all goes well ❤️
July 31, 2023
A really useful book overall but very much focused on the English school system. Although the author introduces the book as being most useful in the Uk, she then goes on to use England as the default throughout and often uses UK and England as synonymous. When the other countries of the UK are mentioned, the info is sparse and sometimes wrong. The author refers to choosing a ‘Scottish’ language school which does not exist. There is Gaelic medium education or English. The other language of Scotland is Scots, not Scottish. She outlines the types of ‘UK’ schools, most of which do not exist in Scotland.
Overall this book has lots of helpful, mostly common sense information but it will not all be relevant if you are not based in England.
Overall this book has lots of helpful, mostly common sense information but it will not all be relevant if you are not based in England.
October 2, 2022
A really insightful book that has definitely helped me prepare for Noah starting school.
August 3, 2023
This was the right side of helpful on the useful information/information overload scale, it has given me lots of ideas (and a few things to worry about, but hey, such is motherhood). Here's hoping all goes well in September.
January 6, 2024
Buku yg kubaca bulan lalu tapi baru selesai bulan ini 😁
Super lengkap. Semua yg kita butuhkan sebagai pertimbangan memilih sekolah dan sebagai persiapan anak2 masuk sekolah dijabarkan secara lengkap.
Yg paling aku suka adalah bagian hasil wawancara penulis dengan guru2 di beberapa sekolah dan dengan orang tua.
Jadi, gambaran ttg kenyataan di sekolah tu jelas banget. Aku sampe manggut2 terus pas baca buku ini karena sangat relate dgn apa yg terjadi dan apa yg aku rasakan terkait sekolahnya anak2.
Rekomen banget buat ortu yg baru pertama kali mendampingi anak2 masuk ke jenjang sekolah. Bisa dibaca2 lagi juga kapan2 sebagai pengingat.
Oh iya, ada juga tips2 ttg apa yg harus kita lakukan supaya anak merasa nyaman dan kepercayaan dirinya g hilang ketika menemui kesulitan di sekolah.
Jadi inget sebenernya waktu umur segitu aku butuh ini lho. Nah, kita sbg ortu kyk diingetin nih klo kita dulu butuh ini itu, anak kita saat ini butuh hal itu juga.
Seperti buku parenting pada umumnya, buku ini juga merangkum 2 teori psikologi, yaitu milik Maslow dan Piaget. Kita sebagai pembaca diingatkan kembali ttg tahapan2 anak. Mau anak berprestasi, jgn lewatin satu tahapan untuk loncat ke tahapan selanjutnya.
Sebagai ortu di jaman sekarang yang kayaknya tekanannya makin berat, kita g mau juga kan hanya membesarkan seorang anak berprestasi tapi tidak punya hati dan g bahagia?
Apa guna prestasi tanpa empati dan hati yg bahagia. Ini dijelasin nih di buku ini.
Aku bener2 banyak sekali belajar dari buku ini.
Cinta banget sama authornya ini. Buku2 parentingnya sangat realistis dan mudah dipraktikkan ❤️👍🏻
Super lengkap. Semua yg kita butuhkan sebagai pertimbangan memilih sekolah dan sebagai persiapan anak2 masuk sekolah dijabarkan secara lengkap.
Yg paling aku suka adalah bagian hasil wawancara penulis dengan guru2 di beberapa sekolah dan dengan orang tua.
Jadi, gambaran ttg kenyataan di sekolah tu jelas banget. Aku sampe manggut2 terus pas baca buku ini karena sangat relate dgn apa yg terjadi dan apa yg aku rasakan terkait sekolahnya anak2.
Rekomen banget buat ortu yg baru pertama kali mendampingi anak2 masuk ke jenjang sekolah. Bisa dibaca2 lagi juga kapan2 sebagai pengingat.
Oh iya, ada juga tips2 ttg apa yg harus kita lakukan supaya anak merasa nyaman dan kepercayaan dirinya g hilang ketika menemui kesulitan di sekolah.
Jadi inget sebenernya waktu umur segitu aku butuh ini lho. Nah, kita sbg ortu kyk diingetin nih klo kita dulu butuh ini itu, anak kita saat ini butuh hal itu juga.
Seperti buku parenting pada umumnya, buku ini juga merangkum 2 teori psikologi, yaitu milik Maslow dan Piaget. Kita sebagai pembaca diingatkan kembali ttg tahapan2 anak. Mau anak berprestasi, jgn lewatin satu tahapan untuk loncat ke tahapan selanjutnya.
Sebagai ortu di jaman sekarang yang kayaknya tekanannya makin berat, kita g mau juga kan hanya membesarkan seorang anak berprestasi tapi tidak punya hati dan g bahagia?
Apa guna prestasi tanpa empati dan hati yg bahagia. Ini dijelasin nih di buku ini.
Aku bener2 banyak sekali belajar dari buku ini.
Cinta banget sama authornya ini. Buku2 parentingnya sangat realistis dan mudah dipraktikkan ❤️👍🏻
August 2, 2023
Buku ini tiba-tiba menjadi penting untuk segera saya baca. Saya suka buku-buku penulis karena praktis. Sebagai ibu beranak satu, saya butuh banyak saran praktis. Buku ini membuat saya berpikir tentang apakah ada usia yang terlalu muda untuk berangkat 'sekolah'? Apakah memang anak usia yang sangat dini membutuhkan pendampingan dari pengasuhnya di sekitar lingkungan sekolah?
Buku ini menjawab beragam keraguan yang saya miliki. Senang sekali sudah memiliki buku ini, meski tentu saya sadar akan jauh lebih baik apabila buku ini dibaca sebagai salah satu mempersiapkan anak berangkat ke sekolah. Ketika membaca buku ini, karena saya butuh cepat, saya membaca dengan perhatian penuh pada hal-hal yang relevan saat ini. Saya selalu bisa untuk kembali ke buku ini ketika anak saya bertambah usia nantinya.
Oh ya, pembahasan di buku ini juga lumayan lengkap. Cukup lengkap dengan kebutuhan saya saat ini. Buku ini pas dibaca untuk orang tua dengan pengalaman pertama mengirimkan anak ke sekolah. Ada juga kaitan dengan 'kemunduran' dalam tidur dan toilet karena pengalaman baru tentu saja membuat cemas orang tua juga anak.
Buku ini menjawab beragam keraguan yang saya miliki. Senang sekali sudah memiliki buku ini, meski tentu saya sadar akan jauh lebih baik apabila buku ini dibaca sebagai salah satu mempersiapkan anak berangkat ke sekolah. Ketika membaca buku ini, karena saya butuh cepat, saya membaca dengan perhatian penuh pada hal-hal yang relevan saat ini. Saya selalu bisa untuk kembali ke buku ini ketika anak saya bertambah usia nantinya.
Oh ya, pembahasan di buku ini juga lumayan lengkap. Cukup lengkap dengan kebutuhan saya saat ini. Buku ini pas dibaca untuk orang tua dengan pengalaman pertama mengirimkan anak ke sekolah. Ada juga kaitan dengan 'kemunduran' dalam tidur dan toilet karena pengalaman baru tentu saja membuat cemas orang tua juga anak.
March 27, 2025
This was such a helpful and reassuring read as I started thinking about my child beginning nursery. Even though it’s mainly aimed at starting primary school, a lot of the advice still felt really relevant—especially around preparing them emotionally and dealing with things like separation anxiety and settling in.
I liked how the book covered both the practical side (like choosing the right setting and knowing what to expect) and the emotional side for both the child and the parent. It made me feel more confident about what’s to come, and honestly just less alone in all the worry and second-guessing.
Sarah Ockwell-Smith’s tone is really calm and understanding, which I really appreciated. The advice didn’t feel overwhelming or preachy, just supportive and easy to take in. There were also helpful examples from other parents and teachers that made everything feel more real and down to earth.
Even though we’re starting with nursery, I can see myself picking this up again later when it’s time for school. Definitely a great read for anyone about to start this big new chapter with their little one.
4.5/5 Stars
I liked how the book covered both the practical side (like choosing the right setting and knowing what to expect) and the emotional side for both the child and the parent. It made me feel more confident about what’s to come, and honestly just less alone in all the worry and second-guessing.
Sarah Ockwell-Smith’s tone is really calm and understanding, which I really appreciated. The advice didn’t feel overwhelming or preachy, just supportive and easy to take in. There were also helpful examples from other parents and teachers that made everything feel more real and down to earth.
Even though we’re starting with nursery, I can see myself picking this up again later when it’s time for school. Definitely a great read for anyone about to start this big new chapter with their little one.
4.5/5 Stars
June 26, 2021
With a little one for whom we are planning on starting school in a few months, I found this an engrossing read, not just due to my situation but for the fire-extinguishing quality Sarah Ockwell-Smith has in all her communications. As a parent, I rest assured I have the parenting background and intuition I need; and now I understand and am reassured about 21st Century schooling, which isn't ideal, to be sure, but can be well managed and a positive experience for all, given realistic expectations and preparation - both practical and emotional. Thank you, Sarah!
August 22, 2025
Very informative book regarding starting school especially for info for the UK.
Speaks about what you should be looking for in a school, what’s important to you as a parent, what questions to ask when touring settings before you make your choice with information for the time before starting, during the first year and beyond.
Nice to read what teachers and other parents think on some topics especially school readiness.
Would recommend to any parent (especially first time parents) with a child starting school in the UK.
Speaks about what you should be looking for in a school, what’s important to you as a parent, what questions to ask when touring settings before you make your choice with information for the time before starting, during the first year and beyond.
Nice to read what teachers and other parents think on some topics especially school readiness.
Would recommend to any parent (especially first time parents) with a child starting school in the UK.
June 30, 2023
Insightful books for parents out there who have a pre-schooler. With so many information on starting school, this book really helps to present all info in one go and help me to make a decision on when to start school for my summer born daughter. Not only about school, this book also talks about setting a sleep routine which is so helpful for our family.
Can't wait to read other books from Sarah Ockwell-Smith!
Can't wait to read other books from Sarah Ockwell-Smith!
January 29, 2023
I plan to home educate my daughter which there is a small section in this book but I wanted to read the book anyway and it was helpful to say the way children learn. Must have if you are sending your children to school
April 30, 2021
Good but could have been a bit more in depth.
July 18, 2021
A very helpful and useful book for preparing your child and yourself for school, including all the things you don’t need to do!
December 3, 2021
Plenty of practical tips and an enlightening perspective on starting school. Very UK based but the second part had information and ideas which was universal.
August 8, 2022
A great overall guide & one I expect I shall be referring back to in the months to come. I'm glad I chose to read it.
September 2, 2024
Handy guide
Was a good read on the lead up to the first day of school and how to approach this time in mine and my child's life
Was a good read on the lead up to the first day of school and how to approach this time in mine and my child's life
April 25, 2025
too technical
September 13, 2021
Very basic and hand holdy but that's exactly what I needed. I just want someone to tell me exactly what's expected of me from the school and that's what this book did.
If you already have a child in school or don't feel nervous about it then there isn't much that this book can tell you.
If you already have a child in school or don't feel nervous about it then there isn't much that this book can tell you.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews