Here’s how to make that transition smoother, with simple steps to re-establish routines, rebuild focus, and get everyone feeling ready for the year ahead.

 

Start the bedtime shift early

Late summer evenings are lovely, but those “just one more chapter” nights make a 7am alarm feel very early. About a week before term starts:

• Gradually move bedtime earlier by 10–15 minutes a night.


• Bring morning wake-up times forward too, so the body clock adjusts naturally.


• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed – instead, opt for a wind-down routine like a warm bath, quiet games like jigsaws or solo reading.

This way, the first school morning won’t be such a shock to the system.

 

Revisit healthy eating habits

School days need fuel – and less of the quick-fix, summer treat kind. To get children back into healthy habits:

• Reintroduce breakfast if it’s slipped during the holidays (oats, eggs, fruit smoothies all work well).


• Keep snacks balanced – pair protein (cheese cubes, hummus, yoghurt) with fruit or veg for lasting energy.


• If they’re taking packed lunches, try out a few new ideas in the week before school so they’ve got favourites ready to go.

Let them prep their own pencil case

There’s something about choosing your own pens and organising your stationery that signals: right, school’s back.

• Make a trip to pick out pencils, rubbers, highlighters – even if they already have spares.


• Let them arrange their pencil case themselves – it’s a small but powerful mental shift that helps them take ownership of their learning space.

Get bodies moving again

If your summer break has been full of lazy mornings and heatwave lounging, those first walks or cycles to school can feel like a workout. In the week before term starts:

• Encourage more active days – family walks, a bike ride, even a game of football in the garden.


• If possible, head outdoors at around the same time you’d normally be leaving for school to help reset energy patterns.

Create a calm ‘school space’ at home

Whether it’s a desk, a corner of the kitchen table, or just a box with homework supplies, having a go-to spot for school work can really help.

• Keep it stocked with pencils, rulers, colouring materials etc…


• Pop a calendar nearby to help with homework deadlines or after-school club reminders.

Talk about what’s ahead

Shifting from holiday mode to school mode isn’t just practical – it’s emotional too. It can be tempting to avoid bursting the summer bubble, but talking now will limit first morning meltdowns.

• Chat about what they’re excited for: new topics, seeing friends, favourite subjects.


• If they’re nervous, acknowledge it and talk through strategies (who to go to if they need help, how to find a friend at break).

Back from a late holiday? Beat the blues

If your family’s taken a last-minute getaway just before term starts, the shift from beach to books can feel brutal.

• Build in a “buffer day” between arriving home and the first day back – use it for unpacking, food shopping and early nights.


• Talk about the highlights of the trip, then switch focus to what’s exciting about the term ahead.


• Keep one small holiday habit going – maybe a family breakfast together or a short evening walk – so the fun doesn’t end abruptly.

Keep a bit of summer spirit

Routines are important, but it doesn’t have to be all serious. Plan a fun after-school treat for the first week back – a park trip, ice cream, or film night – to make the transition feel positive.

Bottom line?

A smooth back-to-school transition is about more than sharpened pencils and a clean uniform – it’s about giving children the space, habits and mindset to feel confident and ready to learn. With a little preparation now, you can swap those first-week wobbles for a calm, confident start.