How to help your child feel more confident at school

A new school year can bring the promise of new lessons, happy memories and firm friendships along the way. But it can also bring a whole mix of emotions. There might be worries about fitting in, making friends, keeping up with schoolwork, or simply getting used to a new routine after the six-week summer holidays.

Even children who are excited about going back can have a few butterflies in those first few days, and that’s completely normal. As parents, we naturally want to help them feel confident - ready to take on whatever the new school year brings.

Helping children feel more confident is often less about big gestures and more about small, thoughtful reminders that they’re supported. That’s the idea behind Matalan’s Confidence Caravan, which gives families visiting selected stores the chance to add a personalised message from home to pre-purchased Matalan school uniform.

The small things that help children feel ready

Whether it’s your little one’s very first day at school or they’re heading into a brand-new year, that first day can feel daunting. 

For many Mumsnet users, preparation helps: introducing new things gradually throughout the summer holidays can make the transition feel a little easier. As the Confidence Caravan shows, reassurance doesn’t have to be elaborate. A familiar routine, a little independence or a reminder from home can all help the first day feel less daunting.

Here are six things that can help ease those back-to-school butterflies. 

1. Let them help pick out their uniform

Schools can have quite specific uniform rules, but where you can, involve your child in the choices, whether that’s a cardigan or jumper, or a polo top rather than a shirt. Labels can give them a small sense of ownership too. 

As Mumsnet user 123ZYX puts it, “get him to choose the design for his name label”, then stick or iron it onto everything that will go to school. It also makes their things much easier to spot in a heap of near-identical jumpers. At selected stores, Matalan is taking that idea one step further with its Confidence Caravan.

2. Books and their favourite TV shows can help ease school nerves

There are plenty of bedtime books about starting school, including stories featuring familiar characters such as Peppa Pig and Bluey. Mumsnet user Globetrote found that books designed to “help allay fears of the new and unknown” “seemed to help” with the transition to Reception, so try introducing one at bedtime to open up conversations about what they’re looking forward to and what’s worrying them.

TV can do a similar job. Mumsnet user Flubadubba found CBeebies’ Time for School “a good starting point for conversations about anything DD is worried about or sad about”. Seeing familiar characters and routines can make school feel less unknown and gives you an easy way into the conversation afterwards.

3. Try to remain positive about school

Starting school can be emotional for parents too, and children often pick up on our mood. 

Mumsnet user Allout123 recommends that parents “talk really positively about school in any way you can”, then remind children of what they enjoyed and praise what went well. It’s reassuring, without turning school into a huge event. 

After school, pick out one thing they enjoyed and mention any praise from their teacher, rather than asking for a minute-by-minute account while they’re tired and hungry.

4. Practise the school run

This can be a handy tip for both kids and parents, especially if it’s a long walk, a busy drive, or you’re dealing with challenging parking. Getting everyone used to the new routine ahead of time means it won’t feel quite so daunting for either of you on that all-important first day.

Even when the school is closed over the summer holidays, you can still walk or drive past and get familiar with the route. You could have a look around the outside of the school, see if you can spot anything interesting in the playground or point out fun things nearby, like a park you could play in after pick-up or a cafe you could take them to for an after-school treat.

And this can be just as useful for older children starting secondary school. They may be making the journey independently for the first time, so practising the route together can help them feel more confident about getting there, whether they’re walking, cycling or taking public transport. It’s also a good chance to work out any tricky crossings, busy roads or changes they’ll need to make along the way.

5. Speak to your child’s teacher

If your child is particularly nervous, it can be worth speaking to their teacher before term begins. 

Mumsnet user johnd2 recommends parents “make best friends with your SENCO and teacher” and share what happens after school too, since staff otherwise only see the child in class. Tell them about anything that helps your child settle, whether that’s a predictable routine, a quiet space or story time. 

If they need additional support, ask to speak to the school’s special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) in England, or the equivalent member of staff elsewhere in the UK. That can include a post-school collapse or a need for quiet time, even if they seem fine in class.

6. Start school days on a positive note

If you’re worried about how your child will manage at school, Mumsnet user CountryGirlInTheCity suggests beginning with a positive expectation: “I’m really looking forward to hearing how you’ve done great listening today”, rather than warning them what not to do. It gives them something clear and achievable to aim for, without piling on pressure. Matalan’s Confidence Caravan follows the same thinking: a personalised message sewn into their uniform offers a small reminder of home as they head into the school day.

Why feeling comfortable at school matters

As Mumsnet user TwoLeggedGrooveMachine puts it, “I don’t think a uniform is a bad idea but it’s important children can be comfortable to play and learn.” That means choosing well-fitting clothes that don’t distract them or make it harder to run around, focus and get stuck into the school day.

Matalan’s range covers the essentials, from everyday uniform and PE kits to coats, shoes and accessories. It includes easy-care fabrics and practical designs intended to cope with busy school days. Selected own-brand school uniform pieces are covered by a 100-day quality guarantee for manufacturing defects and workmanship; exclusions apply.

What to look for when buying school uniform

School uniforms have a fairly thankless job. It needs to survive playground mud, paint, lunch spills and frequent washing, while still being comfortable enough for a full day of learning and play. 

Value isn’t just about finding the lowest price, either. Look at the fabric, fit, fastenings and care instructions, plus practical details that support independent dressing and give growing children a little more room.

1. Hard-wearing, easy-care fabrics

School uniforms have to cope with busy days and frequent washing, so look for sturdy seams, easy-care fabrics and comfortable cuts. Matalan’s polo shirts start at £4 for a pack of two. The white packs are available in ages 4 to 16, made from 100% cotton and sold in several school colours.

2. Weather-appropriate layers

British weather is rarely cooperative, so think in layers. Matalan’s sweatshirts, jumpers and cardigans include cotton-rich options for cooler days, plus school coats and padded coats. 

Check each care label, though many styles are machine washable, which is useful once playground mud enters the picture.

3. Clothing that grows with them

A lot can change in a year when you’ve got growing kids. They can shoot up in a matter of months, which means the trousers that fitted perfectly at the start of term can suddenly look like they’ve shrunk in the wash. 

From pleated skirts to trousers and shorts, Matalan has adjustable waists to give growing kids a little extra room when they need it.

4. Value for money

School uniform costs add up quickly, especially once shoes, PE kit and coats join the list. Matalan has a dedicated school offers section, with some uniform essentials priced at £5 or less.

5. Easy-dressing options

School uniform has its benefits, but getting dressed isn’t always straightforward. Some children find buttons fiddly or are sensitive to seams and textures, so comfort and ease matter. 

Matalan’s ‘Easy Dressing’ range includes sensory-friendly fabrics and practical features, such as rip-tape fastenings rather than buttons. These details can make dressing more manageable and support independence without suggesting that uniform alone creates confidence.

About Matalan

Matalan is a leading UK and international omnichannel fashion and homeware retailer, on a mission to be the first choice for outstanding style, quality and value. 

With a large store network in excess of 270 UK and international stores and an integrated e-commerce platform, Matalan is a trusted brand which puts its customer at the heart of its business and delivers unrivalled product choice and exceptional style and quality to 11 million loyal shoppers every year. 

Matalan is famously committed to offering a compelling value focused fashion and home offering, that continues to help millions of UK household budgets go further.