The Psychology of Starting School

The Psychology of Starting School offers a highly accessible, practical guide to cutting-edge research from developmental science to guide parents and professionals through this exciting but sometimes tricky period.

Written by expert developmental psychologists, it explores how social and emotional competence emerges within a network of supportive relationships and explains how the transition to school compares with other key transitions for children, for example, becoming a sibling. Addressing the all-important topic of children?s early friendships, it explains how children?s mindreading skills and ability to regulate their feelings and behaviour contribute to a successful school transition. The book offers guidance on topics such as successful home-school links, the impact of starting school on family life and troubleshooting problems for both parents and educators including socialising outside school, children?s fatigue, and establishing positive relationships with other parents at the school gates.

Designed to dip in and out, and complete with numerous examples, chapter summaries and top tips for parents and teachers, this book is essential reading for parents, Early Years professionals, SENDCos, health visitors and school nurses, as well as mental health professionals and social workers working with children and families.

'I wish I had this book when my children started school! It?s packed with practical advice for parents, from world-leading experts. The book takes a research-informed holistic view of school readiness, based on what works best for supporting young children?s learning and development. Teachers will see this as a useful resource to build a strong foundation with families right from the start. This is a must-read for anyone wanting to give their children the best primary school experience? it will start many conversations worth having.'

Professor Sara Baker, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge

'In this exciting new book, the authors weave developmental theory and cutting-edge research findings with the views of parents and teachers to explain how we can best support children throughout their school journeys. This book is packed full of reassurance, support, and lots of practical tips for parents and is a great reminder of the importance of developing connections between all the people who surround children ? family, friends, and teachers ? and how working in partnership can help children (and everyone around them!) to flourish.'

Dr Amy L. Paine, School of Psychology, Cardiff University

'This book offers an accessible evidence-based guide for all those supporting children through the exciting but tricky early school years. It links the transition to school to other key transitions (e.g., becoming a sibling) and addresses the important topics of children?s socio-emotional skills and early friendships, and the impact starting school has on family life. Designed to dip in and out, and complete with summaries and practical tips, The Psychology of Starting School is essential reading for parents, Early Years professionals, SENDCos, and all those working with children and families.'

Professor Alison Pike, School of Psychology, Sussex University