SETTLING INTO SCHOOL

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SETTLING INTO SCHOOL

• DADS AT PRIMARY SCHOOL

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Dads at Primary School

• Primary school is a big step...

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Dads at Primary School

• child looked after by other people
• more formal
• you may not know much
• it is hard to drop off or pick up your child
• it may all feel like a place for mums

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Dads at Primary School

• Dads involvement really matters
• Your child may feel vulnerable
• sons can find it hard
• value them and what they are doing
• that goes for stepchildren too

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Dads at Primary School

• When dads are involved at primary school their
  children are likely to
• do better at school and enjoy it more
• be closer to them in teenage years
• behave better
• feel happier

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Dads at Primary School

• Being an involved dad matters to your childs mum
  because
• youre working together as a team
• maybe she was unhappy at school
• maybe shes got a job

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Dads at Primary School

• Getting involved makes a big difference to dads
• gives you lots to talk about together
• most dads want to be closer to their children
• broadens your life

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Dads at Primary School

• One involved dad says
• Im closer to my children than I have ever been
  and their behaviour at home and at school is
  unrecognisable. It's amazing that something as
  simple as me being involved in their lessons
  should make them think of school as fun.

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Dads at Primary School

• And children want their dad
• involved
• Dear Dad, Why do you always work? I hate it.
  On my birthday, please take a day off so we can
  have fun all day.
• - Adam (Yr 5)

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Dads at Primary School

• Dear Dad, I only see you once a week Some
  small things I ask of you please come to my
  school plays and come to parents evening to see
  how Im getting on.
• - Charlotte (Yr 6)

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Dads at Primary School

• Go to the school as much as you can
• pick up your child from school
• visit the classroom
• get to know your childs teacher
• be at school events
• offer to help out in the school

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Dads at Primary School

• Monitor whats going on
• read all the handouts/newsletters
• really celebrate your childs wins at school
• keep in touch about food in school

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Dads at Primary School

• Be your childs advocate on
• difficult issues
• bullying
• helping children with special needs
• access for disabled children
• preparing for examinations SATS in years two
  and six

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Dads at Primary School

• Join in the running of the school
• serve on advisory councils
• serve on the PTA
• become a school governor

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Dads at Primary School

• Help them at home
• listen to them reading daily
• encourage a good attitude towards school
• help with topics at home

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Dads at Primary School

• invite your childs friends home
• listen to and talk to your child
• have fun after school with them
• Internet access

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Dads at Primary School

• Separation need not end involvement
• come in together or on different days
• both get to know your childs teacher
• agree on how to support your childs education
• try mediation
• a non-resident parent with Parental
  Responsibility is entitled to the same
  information as a resident parent

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Dads at Primary School

• Stepfathers are very important
• one in seven families contains a stepfather
• bigger impact on childrens self-esteem
• be careful to help children feel good about
  themselves
• stepfathers can be awarded Parental
  Responsibility

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Dads at Primary School

• All dads are important for learning
• School years are the best years of your life
  why not make sure they are also your best years
  as a dad?