My child is falling behind at school 

Many parents worry how their child will keep up with other children academically. This can be particularly hard if they have had time away from school, or have lacked the support they need to keep up. 

Remember that everyone learns at a different pace. It’s important that children first settle into the routine of a school day.  

Support for your child’s mental and emotional wellbeing is also very important to have in place.  

• Focus on the positives as much as possible. Praise what your child achieves, rather than where they have fallen behind. 
• Speak to your child to get a sense of where they are. Older students might be particularly anxious about their next steps. Small, achievable targets are a good thing too.    
• Be patient with your child. If they’re unhappy, they are more likely to struggle to settle. This can affect their academic progress and wellbeing.
• Help your child find opportunities to rebuild their social and communication skills. Going to school may mean making new friends, which will help support their mental health. Academic progress will happen over time.