How early should I start preparing my child?

Roughly six to eight weeks beforehand is a comfortable window for most children, giving enough time without dwelling on it for too long. We outline a week-by-week approach in the booklet so you are not trying to do everything in the final days.

My child is very independent already. Is this session still useful?

Yes, we also cover the emotional and social side of starting a new setting, such as making friends and adjusting to a group routine, which matters regardless of how independent a child already is with practical tasks.

What if my child becomes distressed at drop-off despite preparation?

Some distress at drop-off is common even with good preparation, and we cover realistic expectations along with specific strategies for managing that moment calmly and briefly. It generally settles with consistency over the first few weeks.

Does this apply to starting preschool and starting primary school equally?

Yes, the underlying principles of building confidence, independence and comfort with separation apply to both transitions, though we highlight differences specific to each setting where relevant.

Is this suitable if my child has additional needs?

The general content applies broadly, but if your child has specific additional needs around transitions, a private one-to-one session would allow for a more tailored preparation plan alongside your child's setting and any support team.

For parents

Preparing Your Child for Preschool or Primary School

Starting preschool or primary school is a significant step, and children benefit hugely from feeling ready for it rather than simply arriving on the day. This workshop focuses on building genuine confidence and independence, from self-care skills like managing a coat or lunchbox to coping with separation and new routines. You will leave with a realistic, unhurried plan for the weeks leading up to the start date.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

Parents of children preparing to start preschool, junior infants, or any new early years or school setting in the coming months.

What we cover in the hour

The self-care skills that make the biggest practical difference on a daily basis.
Building independence gradually rather than all at once close to the start date.
Preparing a child for separation without over-explaining or under-preparing.
Introducing new routines at home in the weeks beforehand.
What to expect emotionally in the first days and weeks, for both child and parent.
How to work with the setting's own staff to support a smooth start.

What you'll leave with

A skills checklist to work through gradually before the start date.
A sample settling-in routine for the first two weeks.
Language for talking about the new setting that builds confidence.
A short guide to what is genuinely typical in the settling-in period.
A take-home booklet with a week-by-week preparation plan.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes a self-care skills checklist, a week-by-week preparation plan, and suggested conversation starters for talking about the new setting.

This session draws on the Aistear theme of Identity and Belonging, supporting children as they build confidence in new relationships and a new sense of belonging in a school or preschool community.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Preparing Your Child for Preschool or Primary School
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

How early should I start preparing my child?: Roughly six to eight weeks beforehand is a comfortable window for most children, giving enough time without dwelling on it for too long. We outline a week-by-week approach in the booklet so you are not trying to do everything in the final days.
My child is very independent already. Is this session still useful?: Yes, we also cover the emotional and social side of starting a new setting, such as making friends and adjusting to a group routine, which matters regardless of how independent a child already is with practical tasks.
What if my child becomes distressed at drop-off despite preparation?: Some distress at drop-off is common even with good preparation, and we cover realistic expectations along with specific strategies for managing that moment calmly and briefly. It generally settles with consistency over the first few weeks.
Does this apply to starting preschool and starting primary school equally?: Yes, the underlying principles of building confidence, independence and comfort with separation apply to both transitions, though we highlight differences specific to each setting where relevant.
Is this suitable if my child has additional needs?: The general content applies broadly, but if your child has specific additional needs around transitions, a private one-to-one session would allow for a more tailored preparation plan alongside your child's setting and any support team.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Curriculum planning · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

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Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

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