Back-to-School Butterflies?
- New Childline data reveals more than 1,500 counselling sessions were delivered to children across the UK between April 2025 and March 2026 mentioned returning to school or college
- In almost two in five (39%) of those sessions, children’s emotional wellbeing was the primary concern, making it the most common issue discussed
- As families prepare for the new school term, Matalan is continuing its partnership with the NSPCC to share expert-backed advice and practical support to help children feel confident, prepared and emotionally ready for the return to school
As part of its Back-to-School campaign, Matalan has again joined forces with the NSPCC to help families feel ready, supported and confident as children prepare for the new academic year.
For many families, the return to school is an exciting milestone. But whether a child is starting school for the first time, moving into a new year group or returning after the summer holidays, it can also bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
The charity’s latest data shows how common back-to-school worries can be. Between April 2025 and March 2026, NSPCC service, Childline, delivered more than 1,500 counselling sessions to children across the UK in which returning to school or college was mentioned.
In almost two in five (39%) of those sessions, children’s primary concern was their emotional wellbeing, making it the most common issue raised. Back-to-school anxiety was also shown to peak in August, as children and young people prepared to return to the classroom following the summer holidays.
To support families during this key retail and parenting moment, Matalan is using its Back-to-School activity to spotlight practical advice from the NSPCC, giving parents and carers simple ways to help children navigate first days, new year groups and back-to-school nerves. The guidance is designed to help families start conversations early and build children’s confidence before worries become overwhelming.
The advice comes as part of Matalan’s ongoing partnership with the NSPCC and coincides with the retailer’s sponsored episode of the Happy Mum podcast.
In the episode, presenter Giovanna Fletcher is joined by Childline Practitioner Gail Sayles to discuss the challenges children face when returning to school, alongside practical tips to help families build confidence and ease anxieties ahead of the new school year.
Gail Sayles, Childline Practitioner, said: “Starting a new school year can bring a mixture of excitement and nerves for children and parents alike.
“We know from the young people who contact Childline that worries about going back to school can have a real impact on their emotional wellbeing. Children might be anxious about making new friends, starting a new school or simply adjusting to the return of the normal routine.
“Parents can help children to feel more confident and prepared for returning to school by encouraging regular conversations, beginning to implement small routines in the lead up to the new school term and encouraging them to do things they enjoy to ease any anxieties.
“The most important thing is letting children know their feelings are valid – and that there are trusted adults and services, such as Childline, around them who can help.”
With many children across the UK preparing to return to the classroom in the coming weeks, the NSPCC has shared the following five tips for parents and carers:
Five ways to help children feel confident about going back to school
- Writing feelings down: Encourage your child to write down what they’re excited about and anything they’re worried about. Looking at the list together can help you chat through their concerns, ease any worries and remind them of all the positives ahead.
- Practical steps: Once your child has shared how they’re feeling about starting or returning to school, a few simple routines can make things feel smoother. Try easing back into a good bedtime routine, keeping devices out of the bedroom, and helping them pack their school bag. If they wear a uniform, checking everything is ready can help them feel more prepared.
- Talk them through the routine: If your child is starting school for the first time, talk through the school day with them, including playtimes and lunchtime and make sure they know who is collecting them and from where. You can also practise recognising their name and their teacher’s name to build confidence.
- Doing things they enjoy: Even once they’re back at school, making time each day for something they enjoy can help ease any anxiety. Playing outside, going for a walk or joining in with a sport are great ways to support their wellbeing and keep a healthy routine.
- Look out for signs: It can take time for children to settle into a new school or routine. If you notice changes in their behaviour or you’re feeling worried, it’s important to speak to their teacher so you can work together to support them. You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for free advice from a trained professional — even if it’s just to put your mind at ease.
Matalan’s Back to School campaign aims to help families feel ready, supported and confident as they prepare for the new academic year, with the NSPCC providing expert guidance to support parents and carers during the transition.
Through its long-standing partnership with the NSPCC, Matalan has raised more than £12 million for the children’s charity since 2004, helping to support its vital work protecting children across the UK.
Parents looking for more advice can tune into the latest episode of the Happy Mum podcast, where Giovanna Fletcher and Childline Practitioner Gail Sayles explore children’s confidence, emotional readiness and practical ways to navigate the back-to-school transition.
Families can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for free advice from trained professionals.
Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.
