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First day at a new school doesn’t just start the moment our kids walk through the gates. For most of us, there's also the challenge of getting them there ready and on time.

And that's after you've dealt with all the worries or concerns your child has probably had about taking such a big step in their life.

If you're new to the school run, or this new academic year involves a new - or change of - school, you might want some advice to help it run as smoothly as possible. �鶹Լ�� Bitesize Parents' Toolkit asked 32 parents from across the UK if they had any tips and hacks to share with their peers. Here is a selection that might reduce the headaches…

No matter what age we are, the thought of doing something unknown can be daunting. Members of the panel had plenty of advice on the emotional support that can make a difference for kids.

"Little children are braver than we think," says West Midlands mum-of-two Sherlene. "They are like sponges, so it won't be long before they adapt to their new environment. Trust the process. Build a rapport with teachers. Build a rapport with other parents from the school."

Richard A suggests taking photos of the time leading up to the first day, and the day itself, so it becomes an experience you can look back on as a family. Robana has five children aged between six and 17 and emphasises the importance of establishing a sleeping pattern. Jermaine from Manchester has two primary-age kids and says: "Trust the teachers, they know what they are doing. Helicopter parenting does not help the child."

Remember, your emotions are important as well. Alison, mum to a teenage son, says that it may be better not to go back to an empty house after the children have started on their first day. Whereas Jasmine from Leeds, who has a six-year-old daughter, has this to say: "Just embrace it! It's such an exciting time. It signifies a new chapter for your child. Take an obligatory first day photo as this will make a good memory in years to come. Speak positively to your child about school to encourage good feelings from the outset."

"Just to be there for them, nice and positive when you drop them off in the morning, and a listening ear when they come out. Listen to how their day went, give them lots of attention and praise for their first day, it’s a big step for all of you." - Lauren, mum of two, Aberystwyth

Looking to help ease your child's nerves ahead of their first day? Check out these packs from �鶹Լ�� Bitesize Primary, to see what might be in store for your little one this academic year!

The first day of school is here. Before you even think about your journey, it could be worth taking time to mobilise the troops, as some of our panel suggested…

Richard B suggests getting everything prepared the night before, with uniforms out and ready and lunchboxes packed to save vital time the following day, especially if you're likely to encounter traffic on the school run. Gemma from Lytham St Annes - whose two children are six and eight - agrees, adding that this type of preparation makes you “your future friend.”

"Always be quiet just before leaving the house to make sure you have everything. A minute to get yourself together at the door makes all the difference.” - Vicky, mum to an eight-year-old daughter, Edinburgh

If one tip shone out in particular from our parent panel responses, it was the need to be at school as early as possible.

Getting out early doors to beat the school rush traffic was emphasised by Lindsay and Clive - who are both from Liverpool - and Anthony from South London. It could also be worth checking out if your child’s school offers a breakfast club. Natalie, whose daughter is seven, calls it a “g�ǻ����Ի�,” adding that at that earlier start time, “traffic is low at the school.”

Sherlene adds: “To my benefit, my daughters attend breakfast club[s] and after-school club[s]. However, make sure you allocate extra time for parking and gate conversations when dropping off or collecting children.”

Travelling by public or private transport may be the only option for some families. However, if school is close enough, it may be possible to walk. It's something many schools would encourage as being environmentally friendly, and it has the added bonus of helping the daily routine.

“Walk to and from school,” says Ian W. “It’s a great start and end to the day to spend time with your child.”

Dad-of-two Len lives in Bargoed, Wales, and agrees: “If it’s possible to walk it, walk it. The traffic at the school in the morning is enough to give anyone a nervous breakdown.” Matthew from Glasgow has three children aged from seven to 15. He also advocates walking, but, “If I am running late, I will take the car and park five minutes away - just to avoid all the traffic.”

You may have seen in the �鶹Լ�� sitcom Motherland how the school gates can be an opportunity for parents to form new friendships amid the hubbub before the first bell. But for some members of our panel, the priority is simply to get the kids dropped off.

“Focus on your kids and make sure they are happy and ready to leave you when the bell goes to go in. There is nothing worse than having to leave your little one at the gate when they are unhappy or have separation anxiety.” - Victoria, mum-of-two, Orkney Islands

Angela from Glasgow says: “I’m a drop and run. I don’t have the energy for morning parents’ chat,” while Dilan adds: “I keep it short and sweet, short hi and byes with parents, etc.” Helen, whose daughter is 17, suggests timing the arrival to coincide with your child’s friends, so they can all walk in together.

And we must thank Ben from Edinburgh, dad to a six-year-old son, for possibly the most sage advice of all: “Wear a coat. Don’t turn up in slippers and a dressing gown to take your child in. It looks a bit iffy.”

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