Experts give early school tips

PARENTS should begin preparing children now for their first days in school which are only three weeks away, experts have advised.

The message comes as more than 60,000 school leavers await the results of their Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied on Wednesday.

For those taking their first steps on the education ladder, the National Parents Council (Primary) believes young children should be accustomed to being without their parents before their first day in class.

This could be achieved by having them stay in a friend’s or relatives’ home for a while over the next few weeks, which may also give them the opportunity to play with other children.

“It is important to be calm, reassuring and positive with your child because their self esteem and self confidence are all-important.

Chat about the school and their teacher to your son or daughter,” said NPC chief executive Fionnuala Kilfeather.

The parents council also suggested parents should make time to read to children because this is the best start for them being interested in books and reading.

One of the most import pieces of advice to parents is to shop around for school uniforms, sports gear, books and other items. Surveys have shown the average cost of sending a child to primary school is around 1,000.

Meanwhile, this year’s Leaving Certificate results will be collected by candidates on Wednesday morning. It is expected record numbers will find out how they fared via the internet, thanks to the State Examinations Commission website, www.examinations.ie.

For those who do not have internet access, results can also be obtained over the phone. From the Republic of Ireland, the number to dial is 1530 719 290 or from overseas, call 00 353 1 258 8588.

Use of both the online and telephone results services require the use of the examination number and a unique Personal Identification Number.

The Central Applications Office (CAO) will post out the first round of college place offers next week, reaching students or available on the internet from Tuesday, August 19.

The National Parents Council (Primary) operates an information helpline from 10am-12.30pm, Monday to Friday: 01 8874477.