Check vaccinations and catch-up appointments
Parents should check their child’s vaccination record and contact their GP surgery if they believe an appointment has been missed.
The routine childhood vaccination schedule changed in January 2026, with the introduction of the combined MMRV vaccine,which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. The vaccines offered depend partly on a child’s age and date of birth, so parents should consult the current NHS schedule rather than relying on an older checklist.¹
With winter coming up in a few months, so will the flu virus. Children aged between two and 15 are also offered a flu vaccineeach year, continuing until they finish Year 11, so it’s worth booking this in sooner rather than later.¹
Check prescribed medication, inhalers and allergy plans
Children with asthma, allergies or any other long-term health conditions may need medication or inhalers during the school day as part of their treatment plan. Parents should check that their child’s inhalers and/or other prescribed medication are up to date.
Their school should also have the correct medication, up-to-date health records and contact details in case of an emergency. This is especially important if they are moving to a new school or have their medication(s) adjusted during the summer.
Look for signs they cannot see the board properly
Depending on their age, a child’s eyesight may still be developing. While they may not notice their eyesight has changed, the classroom can make the problem more apparent.
If they start to have difficulty reading the board, headaches, eye strain, or if they are holding books close to their faceand regularly rubbing their eyes, these can all indicate that a sight test is needed.² NHS sight tests are free for children under 16 and for those aged 16 to 18 who are in full-time education.³
Do not overlook possible hearing problems
A child who appears distracted in class may be having difficulty hearing instructions, particularly in a busy, loud environment like the classroom.
If they start to frequently ask people to repeat themselves, misunderstand conversations or increase the volume on devices, these could be signs of hearing loss.? Parents who notice a change should speak to their GP or another appropriate healthcare professional who will be able to advise further.
Watch out for more than first-week tiredness
It’s normal for children to feel tired when re-adjusting to the routine of early mornings and full school days. However, if ongoing tiredness, sleep problems, appetite changes, poor concentration or unusual irritability keep appearing, this may suggest they are struggling.
Parents can try a consistent evening routine, which can help, but persistent problems should not be ignored as part of returning to school.
Could physical symptoms be linked to school anxiety?
Children don’t always describe their feelings as “stress” or “anxiety”, but instead their parents may hear repeated complaints about headaches, stomach aches, feeling sick or too unwell to attend school.
Some other changes may include becoming unusually withdrawn or tearful, constantly seeking assurance, losing interest in activities they usually enjoy, as well as not wanting to go to school.
These symptoms can have several causes, so it’s too early to assume it’s something health-related (it’s entirely normal for children to feel nervous going back to school). However, if you notice these symptoms change at the weekends, it may be worth asking if something at school is making them feel this way. Parents can seek support with their child’s school, a nurse or a GP if they feel their child would benefit from some extra support.?
Is your child starting secondary school?
Starting secondary school can bring new pressures, from travelling independently and finding classrooms to managing timetables and making friends. Even changing for PE, using unfamiliar toilets or navigating a busy canteen can feel overwhelming.
Instead of asking your child “How was school?”, it may be better to ask them which part of the day was both easiest and hardest, who they sat with at lunch, and whether they managed to find their classrooms. These specific questions may make it easier for your child to open up about their feelings navigating this new milestone.
Your child will likely rely on their phone a lot more too, especially if they become part of new group chats and make new friends. But if they become reluctant to put their phone down, seem unsettled after checking messages or start talking differently about friends, it is worth raising the subject calmly and without making it feel like an interrogation.
Mark Hall, Managing Director at Stem Protect, said:
“The first week of term brings about a lot of new changes, which can be exhausting, so one difficult morning or early night isn’t a cause for concern. What does matter is if parents start to notice a pattern or a sudden change in how their child usually behaves.
“Children may not have the words to accurately explain how they’re feeling, but if they start to become quieter, have difficulties focusing at school, or they actively don’t want to go, it may be time to have a conversation with them. Knowing when these changes occur can help parents understand what support may be needed.
“Parents don’t need to wait until their child’s attendance is affected before contacting the school. They can have a conversation with a health professional, or a member of staff at the school, such as their child’s form tutor or pastoral care lead, who may be able to help identify something practical that can be addressed before it becomes part of a bigger problem.”
