Parents worry school starters won’t make friends

Over a third of parents in the South West (36 per cent) worry that their children won’t make friends when they start school, according to an Action for Children poll of more than 2,200 British parents.

Brigitte Gater, director of children’s services at Action for Children, which runs 38 children’s centres in Devon said: “The first day at school is an anxious time, sometimes more so for parents than for children.

“Our centres in Devon help parents to prepare young children for their first year at school by giving them a place to play with other children, to learn to make friends and to develop their language skills.”

Action for Children polled its own children’s centres managers to find out what changes in the needs of children and families they were seeing – 41 per cent of them said that compared to the year before children need more help to reach basic milestones, like being toilet trained or following simple instructions.

Brigitte Gater added: “It’s worrying that we are seeing more children who need this extra help to get ready for reception class, so we encourage parents to make use of children’s centres and early years support.”

Naomi Williamson, 39, of St Giles, Devon, is mum to Rosie, aged five and Oliver, aged three.

Throughout the summer Rosie and Oliver attend Out and About sessions at Holsworthy Area Children’s Centre which is run by Action for Children.

Naomi said: “The Out and About sessions are focused on play and social interaction outdoors. They are a fantastic way for children to learn to play and develop their language skills which are essential when preparing them for school. Rosie and Oliver have really benefitted from attending the sessions and really enjoy making new friends and visiting different places.”

Action for Children is the largest voluntary sector provider of children’s centres, running more than 200 in England. Parents can get help and support including play sessions, classes, meeting health professionals and advice to give their children the best start in life

Parents in the South West were asked what their main worry was about their eldest child starting school:

·         Over a third (36 per cent) said their child not making friends

·         One in ten (12 per cent)  said their child not asking for help when needed

·         5 per cent said their child struggling with lessons

·         6 per cent gave another main worry

People can find their nearest Action for Children service here.