23 things your child's reception teacher wishes parents would (and wouldn't) do

It really helps us if your child comes to school with the things they'll need for the day ahead, like their coat (even if it doesn't look like it's going to rain) and water bottle.

We simply don’t have time to reunite 15 stray, nameless shirts with their owners after PE.

Labelling all of your child's school uniform and kit will spare you from having to delve deep in the fusty lost property basket in search of that expensive jumper you only bought a few weeks ago.

If it can be taken off, put down or left behind, label it.

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If you child had a bad night's sleep, is sad about a lost teddy, or is being bothered by another child at playtime, please tell us: if we don’t know about problems, we can’t help.

Send in a brief note or talk to the teacher or teaching assistant in the morning to pass on the information.

With 30 kids to get into school and a busy schedule to get through, we don’t have time for in-depth chats at the start of the day – and COVID restrictions mean we might not be able to, either.

If you need to speak about something, send an email or ask the office to make an appointment for a proper conversation.

We're here to listen, but it's so much easier when we have the time to hear you out.

We're not expecting any effing and blinding, obviously, but too many parents fall into the trap of saying things like, ‘Oh, Mummy’s going to miss you sooo much!’

It'll just encourage your child to be clingy, so be bright and positive and save your tears for outside the classroom if you can.

We know it's hard when your child is sobbing and clinging to your legs, but believe us, they'll settle much quicker once you're gone.

We promise to get the office to phone you and let you know when your child has calmed down, so grit your teeth and leave without a drama: it's best for everyone involved.

If your child is finding it hard to be left at school, it's worth asking someone else to do the drop-off for a few days – especially if it's making you tearful too.

Sometimes children get into a habit of being upset when you say goodbye, and getting Daddy or Grandma to step in short-term can help break the pattern.

If your child has a health condition, it's important for us to know how to handle it.

If, for example, they have asthma, it's a huge help if you share the action plan agreed with your GP and send a spare (labelled) reliever inhaler to school, where it can be kept in the classroom or office in case it's needed.

Telling us about your child's symptoms and what to do if they're feeling unwell (for instance, can they take their medication by themselves, or do they need help?) means we can do our best to keep them safe and well.

Asthma UK has useful advice on the info you should be passing on.

If your child is having school dinners, it's helpful if they know how to cut up food and pour a drink.

If they're bringing a packed lunch, make sure they can open their lunch box and water bottle: no fiddly cling film, please!

And with some COVID restrictions still in place in schools, the more independent your child is, the better.

Putting tights on a wriggly child is a bit like trying to give a cat a bath. Multiply that by 10 or more, and you can imagine how long it takes to get the kids sorted after a gym lesson.

Stick to socks with a skirt or trousers on PE days, and save tights and clothes with fiddly fastenings for days when your child won't need to undress.

It's the only way we'll know that they're reading regularly at home. You can also use it to let us know about any issues that crop up, with their reading or school in general.

Make sure your child's name and class is clearly written on any paperwork you send to school, like permission forms for after school clubs.

Otherwise, working out who sent it in is a process of elimination: tricky if five other parents have also forgotten to label their envelope!

It sounds obvious, but it's essential to tell the office if your mobile number or email address changes so we can always get hold of you if we need to.

Although schools will have their own system for sending important letters home, it's worth checking your child's bag just in case.

Always have a quick look each afternoon to make sure you're not missing out on anything.

Your child might feel happier about going to school if they're clutching their favourite teddy, but imagine how upset they'll be if it gets lost. And with schools able to set their own rules around COVID, it's often not practical either.

If your child does need a cuddle, we've got a few snuggly friends in the classroom who can help out. And if they're desperate to show us their new toy or book, let them do at drop-off and then take it home with you.

Arm yourself with a Nitty Gritty comb, and keep long hair tied back for school: headlice spread like wildfire through Reception classes.

You can buy the Nitty Gritty Comb at Amazon. See more details here.

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It's easy to get hung up on what your child's classmates are doing or what reading level they’re on, but kids have different strengths and weaknesses, and don't all progress at the same rate.

Your teacher will look at every child as an individual and make sure they're working at the right standard – we promise!

If you have any concerns, talk to us, but don't measure your child against anyone else in the class at this early stage.

Yes, it's inconvenient to have your child off sick, but it's not fair on them to send them to school feeling lousy, and we don't want germs to spread to other kids (or teachers). This is particularly important at the moment.

So while families are encouraged to stick to the rules around COVID and schools, even during pre-pandemic times, schools often had a system in place for other illnesses.

Most schools say children should be kept home for 48 hours after sickness or diarrhoea, so please, please stick to the rules, otherwise bugs can quickly turn into plagues!

It's pretty exhausting for a four- or five-year-old to behave well for hours on end, so don't be surprised if all that pent-up tension comes out after school.

Tears and tantrums are to be expected in the first weeks at school, so give your child space to chill and keep clubs and activities to a minimum at first.

Early learning is hungry work. Giving your child a healthy after-school snack can be the difference between a contented kid and a whinging, stroppy one!

It's heartbreaking if your child tells you that nobody played with them or someone was mean, but keep an open mind: children aren't always the most reliable witnesses and playground dramas often blow over within days.

That said, if you have any worries, let us know. We can keep a special eye out for your child and get to the bottom of what's going on.

And then read some more! Whether it's their school book, a library book, a comic or their favourite bedtime story, reading is probably the single most important thing you can do to support your child's learning.

Check out these top books:

Best books for one year olds

Best books for two year olds

It can take time for even the most confident child to settle into school (it can even creep into the second term). It's a big change and a whole new adventure.

Whatever happens, remember that we're just as keen for your child to feel happy and secure at school as you are. Keep talking to us: by the end of the year, you'll both have forgotten any early upsets.