As the summer holidays come to an end, getting children ready for school is about much more than buying a new uniform.
Children need sleep, good food, water, movement, emotional support and someone who notices when things aren't going well.
Getting back into a sleep routine can take time. Gradually bring bedtime and wake-up times forward, reduce screens before bed and try to get some morning daylight. Sleep is not wasted time — it helps the brain concentrate, remember and learn.
Food is fuel too. Breakfast doesn't have to be perfect, and if your child isn't hungry first thing, don't turn it into a battle. A simple meal or snack, a water bottle and a lunch containing some carbohydrate, protein and fruit or vegetables can help keep energy going through the school day. If money is tight, don't be embarrassed to ask for help. Frozen and tinned foods, beans, eggs, oats, potatoes and seasonal produce can all be affordable, nutritious choices.
But what if school isn't working for your child?
If your child is anxious, refusing school, struggling with friendships, being bullied, finding the work too difficult, or simply seems different from their usual self, try to ask “What's making school difficult?” rather than simply “Why won't you go?”
Start by talking to the school. You can ask for help from the class teacher, pastoral or attendance team, SENCO or safeguarding lead. Your GP can help if there are health or emotional concerns, and the Family Hub or Early Help can support families when wider difficulties are getting in the way.
And if you're struggling with food, money or family pressures, please don't wait until you are in crisis. Foodbanks, Citizens Advice, Family Hubs, free school meals and local community organisations can all provide different kinds of support.
You don't have to know exactly which service you need.
Sometimes the most important first step is simply saying:
“We're struggling. We don't know what to do. Can someone help us?”
Getting children ready for school isn't about having the perfect child or the perfect family.
It's about giving every child the best chance to feel safe, healthy, connected and ready to learn.
📍 Where can families get help in Great Yarmouth?
🍎 Food crisis – Great Yarmouth Foodbank
Great Yarmouth Foodbank provides emergency food for individuals and families in crisis.
📞 01493 543051
📍 Minster Mission, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3DG.
For urgent financial crisis and food support, Help through Hardship: 0808 208 2138, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.
🥫 Gorleston Foodbank
Gorleston Foodbank
📞 01493 655523
📍 Magdalen Square, Gorleston, NR31 7LL.
🥕 Community food – Sally's Store
The Salvation Army runs Sally's Store Community Supermarket at Peggotty Road Community Centre. It offers low-cost shopping, plus free fruit, vegetables, bread and surplus food/community-fridge provision for eligible local residents.
📞 01493 844909
📍 Peggotty Road Community Centre, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3EF.
👨👩👧 Family support – Great Yarmouth Family Hub
Great Yarmouth Family Hub
📍 Early Childhood and Family Service Base, Shrublands, Magdalen Way, Gorleston, NR31 7BP.
Family Hubs can help families find support with children, parenting, wellbeing and wider family difficulties. Parents and carers can drop in without an appointment.
💷 Money, benefits and debt – Norfolk Citizens Advice
📞 0800 144 8848
For Great Yarmouth appointments/callbacks: 01493 738336
📍 37–39 Market Place, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1LX.
They can help with benefits, debt, housing, energy costs and other financial problems — so don't wait until there is no food left.
🏫 School problems
If your child is struggling with attendance, anxiety, bullying or learning, start by talking to the school. Ask for the teacher, pastoral lead, attendance lead or SENCO if additional needs may be involved.
🧠 Health or emotional difficulties
Speak to your GP, health visitor or school health team if there are physical or emotional health concerns. For children and families in Norfolk, Just One Number: 0300 300 0123 can also provide health advice and signposting.
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