Nursery World - Children are stressed by school start

Children can become stressed about starting primary school up to six months before the beginning of term, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of Bath found raised levels of the stress hormone cortisol in saliva samples taken from 105 reception-age children in Bath and Somerset. The team, led by Dr Julie Turner-Cobb and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, measured cortisol levels up to six months before children started school, aiming to use this measurement as a baseline for comparing results two weeks into the first term and six months later.

Dr Turner-Cobb said, 'The results were surprising, because children usually have much more immediate reactions. It is possible that the effect may be down to parents passing on their concerns over their child starting school. It may be that parents need extra support at this time as well.'

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included