Nurturing relationships
Find out about how you can support your child/young person by becoming part of the new school community.
Moving to a new school means becoming part of a new community. As well as helping your child/young person settle in, it is important for parents/carers to feel welcomed and included.
Communicate openly with school staff
Many parents/carers say it is important to feel listened to and taken seriously by school staff. Good communication between home and school can help you feel informed, supported and able to raise any questions or concerns. Every school has its own ways of working, so it may take time to get familiar with new routines and expectations.
Reach out if you have any concerns
It is important to talk openly with the school if you have concerns or worries. Sometimes challenges can be addressed through discussion and support before they become bigger problems. While changing schools is sometimes the right decision, it does not always solve existing difficulties and can sometimes create new challenges for children and families.
Engage with the new school community
You can help build connections within the school community by attending school events and using the school’s communication systems, such as apps, emails or newsletters. The school may also have a parent association you can join to get involved in the school community.
Omar’s Story
Omar was 7 years old when he moved to the UK with his family. They had left their country to seek safety and start a new life. Everything felt new, including the language, the school system and the local area.
Starting school was a little scary for Omar, but he was relieved to find that he was not the only child who had moved from another country. There were other pupils who spoke different languages and had similar experiences. This helped him feel less alone.
The school also supported Omar’s family as they settled into their new community. Staff helped them complete paperwork, understand how local services worked and find support when they needed it. This made it easier for the family to adjust to their new surroundings.
The school celebrated different cultures and traditions throughout the year. Pupils learned about different holidays, languages and customs, and families were invited to join in school events and celebrations. This helped Omar feel proud of who he was and helped his family feel welcome and that they belonged in their new community.
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