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Parent Guides: finished example
Try this templateTwo fictional Irish schools. Their own colours, with a full example of what you could send home. All names, arrangements and school stories are illustrative.
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Parent Guide
St Grettas
Starting school
A gentle start to big school
Starting primary school is a milestone for the whole family. Your child does not need to arrive with every skill mastered. Familiar routines, a reassuring adult and a little time to practise can make the first weeks feel more manageable. Children settle at different speeds; a wobbly morning does not mean that anything has gone wrong.
Before the first morning
Talk about school in simple, positive terms: the teacher's name, where the coat will go and who will collect your child. If possible, walk past the school together and look at the entrance. Avoid promising that every moment will be exciting; it is reassuring to know there will be quiet time as well as play.
- Practise opening the lunchbox, water bottle and school bag.
- Try putting on a coat and asking for help when a zip is tricky.
- Label coats, jumpers, bags and containers.
- Keep bedtime and morning routines steady in the days before school.
- Let the teacher know about allergies, medical needs or anything affecting your child's confidence.
A small, predictable goodbye
Decide on a simple goodbye together: a hug, a wave and a clear promise about collection. Keep the words warm and brief. If your child becomes upset, let the teacher guide the handover rather than slipping away without saying goodbye. A familiar routine is easier to trust than a new negotiation each morning.
When the school day ends
Have a snack and a little quiet time ready. New routines can be tiring, and some children say very little about their day at first. Instead of a long list of questions, try one gentle prompt later: 'Did you hear a story today?' or 'What did you play with?' It is fine if the answer is short.
Confidence grows through everyday practice
- Read a short story together and talk about the pictures.
- Play turn-taking games and celebrate waiting for a turn.
- Give your child small jobs, such as putting the bottle into the bag.
- Notice effort: 'You tried that zip again' is more useful than comparing children.
- Make room for outdoor play, rest and unhurried conversation.
If worries continue
Speak to the teacher if your child remains distressed, seems unusually tired or is worried about a particular part of the day. Share what you notice at home and ask what the teacher sees in class. Together, you can agree a small, consistent plan. Seek appropriate professional advice for concerns about your child's health or development.
A note from our school
For this fictional example, Junior Infants start at 9am and finish at 1.40pm. Please use the pedestrian entrance and tell the office in advance if collection arrangements change. Your own school's guide will contain its actual times, contacts and routines.
Ms Maeve O'Connell
Principal
St Grettas · Roll number: 00001G
12 Hazelwood Lane, Ballywillow, Co. Dublin
Tel: 01 000 0101 · office@stgrettas.example
www.stgrettas.example
Fictional school, sample contacts and roll number. Portraits are generated.
Your address, phone and email will appear here once you add them in School settings. This note is not printed.
19 October 2026
published throughFictional schools, sample arrangements and generated school-scene images. Your documents use your own school’s details and photos.