Bio: Michelle Windridge is the National Education Lead for School-Based EYFS, championing and supporting high-quality early years provision nationwide. With over 20 years’ experience in primary and early years education, she brings together classroom expertise, school leadership, and national strategic insight. She writes regularly for TES, Teach Early Years, and Early Years Educator Magazine, and contributes to higher education as an External Examiner for Primary Education S

Starting school is a major milestone for any child, and for many families, it brings a mix of excitement, pride, and worry. While some children stride into their new classrooms with confidence, others take longer to feel secure. If your child has started school but does not seem to be settling, you are not alone. Many children need more time, reassurance and support than we expect, and there are positive, practical steps you can take.

Teacher standing at a white board pointing with 3 students looking Mainstream education is the term used for the education system that...