Department of Education research reveals back-to-school worries affect Brighton and Hove families

The research, commissioned by the Department for Education, found many Brighton parents notice disruptions to their child’s mood and behaviour in the run up to the return to school – 37% report their child seems worried and 37% say their child complains of physical issues such as head and stomach aches.

63% of parents in Brighton & Hove also noted children were more likely to experience back-to-school worries the longer they are off (for instance an average of two weeks over Christmas, versus shorter half term holidays). Over a third (36%) of parents said they struggle to settle their children back into school routines, with more than nine in 10 (92%) finding early mornings difficult and one in five (20%) facing challenges at bedtime.

As 75% of parents say they’d welcome tips on how to help their child start off the new school term confidently, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Nihara Krause has shared her advice on how best to prepare children for the return to school.

Top Tips on how to help your child manage back-to-school worries

Rebuild routine early

Children thrive on routine and during the Christmas break, sleep patterns, mealtimes and daily structure become looser. This is completely normal, but this shift can make the return to school feel overwhelming.

Start resetting sleep schedules three to five days before school begins by moving bedtime and wake-up time earlier in small steps.

Reintroduce familiar routines such as reading before bed, laying out clothes, or having breakfast at the table.

Limit screens for at least an hour before bed, as overstimulation can affect sleep quality.

Plan a calm and structured first morning back

Keep mornings calm by preparing as much as possible the night before (uniforms, packed lunches, school bags, and PE kits) to reduce stress and set a positive tone for the day.

Aim to wake up 10–15 minutes earlier on the first day back so there’s no need to rush. Create a warm, steady routine with breakfast together, a quiet chat, and a moment to check in on how your child is feeling. Maintaining a relaxed tone yourself also helps, as children often “borrow” their emotional cues from adults.

A smooth, unhurried morning lowers stress and helps children walk into school feeling steadier and more confident.

Talk openly and validate feelings

Communication is key, so try to keep checking in with your child in the run up to the return to school. Listen carefully to what’s on their mind, and help them break their concerns into smaller, manageable steps you can work through together. This helps them feel supported and understood.

Don’t forget to highlight the positives of returning to school like seeing friends, their favourite lessons and enjoyable routines like after school activities.

Normalise their feelings and explain it’s very common to feel a little uneasy shifting routines from holiday mode to back-to-school.

Dr Bikram Raychaudhuri, local GP and Clinical Director for Mental Health and Population Health Management for Sussex, says it’s totally understandable for children to experience back-to-school worries after the Christmas break:

“Returning to school after the Christmas break can understandably feel overwhelming for many children. They thrive on routine and predictability, so the sudden shift back to school schedules can trigger their worries. However, parents can make a real difference by gradually re-establishing simple routines a few days before term begins — such as consistent bedtimes, morning schedules, and preparing school bags and uniforms in advance. These small steps help restore a sense of control and security, allowing children to approach the return to school feeling calmer and more confident.

“It is just as important for parents to create regular, open opportunities for children to talk about any worries they may have. Taking time to listen without judgement, talking concerns through, and even practising parts of the school day can significantly reduce their worries, as fears are often far greater in anticipation than in reality. Reassuring children that these feelings are normal, while remaining calm, gentle, and consistent during drop-offs, provides vital emotional support. If concerns persist, parents should not hesitate to seek further guidance — speaking with their child’s school is a sensible and supportive first step.”

Parents with concerns about their child’s feelings toward the new school term are encouraged to speak to their school as a first step. For more information, please visit https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-information-and-support/school-absence