Separation anxiety

This involves the child accessing enjoyable, preferred activities (e.g., for 10-15 minutes) when they arrive to school. This can involve 'choosing time' where the child is empowered to select a favoured activity (e.g., from a 'menu' or list). This can also include the 'key adult' (see above).

Encourage parents to be positive and decisive when saying goodbye to their children. It is important for parents to tell children that they are leaving, and to do so confidently and in an upbeat way. This will boost children’s confidence (even if not at first!) that it is safe to be left, and that their parent will return.

See Anna Freud for further guidance on Separation Anxiety in the Early Years 

A transitional object is something, usually a physical object, which represents the child-caregiver bond. Common examples include dolls, teddy bears or blankets. It can be something of significance from the home or belonged to the parent/carer which reminds the child that they are being 'held in mind' during periods of separation and that the caregiver will return. Parents/carers can leave their child with a little reminder of them, e.g., a photo, a little toy that they can keep with them. These can offer security and comfort to a child when making transitions from home-school.