I know I'm not the only mum on here that has a child starting at secondary school for the first time today.
And I'm sure I'm not the only thats sat at home, whittling and worrying about how said child is doing.
So, I thought I'd start a thread dedicated to all those parents whose 'baby' has gone off for their first day at big school (sorry, ahem, secondary school).
Actually, same applies to all you parents with a 'child' starting at college or university. Its a big step and must be just as much of a wrench, especially if they're having to move away to attend the college or uni of choice.

My 11 year old daughter looked so grown up as she left for the bus this morning, all smart in her new school uniform and with a bag on her back the size of a small country. I simply stood at the back door, and waved her off, trying not to choke on the lump in my throat. It was only after she'd turned the corner at the end of the houses that I allowed myself a small tear.
She is a small kid anyway, most of her Y6 class last year towered over her, so I felt more protective than I usually would. But she was so cheerful, so excited and really looking forward to starting this new chapter in her life.
I am so proud of her (as I am all of my kids, but more so her today), and wanted to say Good Luck Toni, have a great day!

Going into secondary school is a huge leap for children. The changes are massive, and it can seem pretty overwhelming. Most children say their main concerns are a)getting lost and b) bullying.

The majority of schools give out an awful lot of information to y7s on the first day so it might be an idea to go through all that information (maps, timetables, school procedures etc) when your little ones get home to help it become more familiar.

Most little ones are in a really good position of staying with their friends into secondary school making this exciting time alot less scary.

So many children take this massive leap in their stride and its amazing to see how resilient children are :)

Several schools in Sheffield have yr7 'bases' now to try and make the transition easier for the new ones. These often mean that children aren't traipsing round from classroom to classroom and teacher to teacher, having a base of one area and far fewer teachers. I'm a great believer in this as it really offers a great basis of security in that first year.

I think this is a often a much harder time for parents, so try not to worry. If there are any problems do contact your child's form tutor or head of year, they are there to support your child's progress academically, socially and emotionally.

Good luck to all the worried parents and all the excited Yr7s :thumbsup:

She wasnt nervous, just excited. She has had a period of settling in days last term before they broke up for the 6 weeks holiday, so she knows where everything is. She isnt scared about any of it; quite the opposite, in fact.
Its hard for me to imagine what its like for her, I work in a primary school and its so different.
I am a governor at my kids' secondary school though, so I do have a bit of an inkling of what things are going to be like.
She'll be fine, as will most of the new Y7's. Its the parents that will be a mess!!!!!

I am quite nervous as my daughter starts school for 1st time on Thursday (reception),she is very excited about going.

She has always gone to nursery every day from been 18 months but only half days.

I think it is nerve racking/upsetting when anybody's child has to do major changes in life like starting school for 1st time,going to high school,collage,uni.

It gives you goosegogs, doesnt it? And no matter how much you tell yourself 'on that first day, I will not cry' ; you do, even if its only one little tear!
I remember all my lots first days at school - reception. In particular my daughter - the same one thats started secondary school today actually - there was a huddle of mums, we were all in this huge bear hug, sobbing our hearts out! Yet inside our offspring had gone bounding in without a care in the world!

Mine started secondry yesterday too, and came home full of news and excitement. Ahe had a great day and could'nt wait to go back. I'm feeling it today though (was in bed after night shift yesterday!)

My youngest daughter started comp today, she looked so smart in her new uniform, all grown up, she was nervous and excited all roled into one, bless her, cant wait for her to come home and let me no how her day has been, and hopefully she has made some new friends. She has gone into year 7 with none of her friends from her previous school.

I to stood at the door and waved her off, choked.

my son started notre dame high on monday he couldnt wait to leave the house that morning he lookes smart as well

My youngest daughter started comp today, she looked so smart in her new uniform, all grown up, she was nervous and excited all roled into one, bless her, cant wait for her to come home and let me no how her day has been, and hopefully she has made some new friends. She has gone into year 7 with none of her friends from her previous school.

I to stood at the door and waved her off, choked.


I did exactly the same thing, cos my daughter has also gone to a different school to all her mates.
But..she loved it! Came home last night full of it and couldnt wait to go back again!!
Hmmm, wonder how long it'll be before she hates the place???

hi misschick wot school does your daughter go to now

Hi Bones, have sent you PM

not got pm

my neice started westfield on monday and i was so nervous for he as it wasnt her catchment school so she went knowing no one but she loved it, my daughter started nursery for the first time today too

hi my daughter started in year 7 om wednesday was worried as she was the only one at bus stop walked half way with her as its about 20 min walk she d been worried all through hols as not going to a catchment school and only one girl out of juniors was in her class but she loved it made loads of friends and could nt wait to go back