EXPERTS have issued advice for parents of thousands of Dorset and Hampshire children moving to secondary school within the next few days.

Educational psychologist Professor Julian Elliott said many young people will be entering schools up to 10 times the size of their primary schools.

And he urged parents to help them to take the step which, for many, represents the process of growing up and leaving childhood behind.

“It can be overwhelming but there are things you can do to make it easier to help your child adjust and settle in quickly,” he said. Advice includes: Build your child’s confidence because children with high self-esteem are less likely to be bullied, or to bully, or to belong to gangs.

Listen to their fears. Your child is possibly anxious and also afraid their concerns will appear trivial. For instance, what should they do if they get lost in a maze of corridors? Talk it through with them.

Remind your child to be a good friend to others and encourage them to invite friends home.

Show that you feel positive about their new school and talk it up, even if it was not your first choice.

Have a trial run of the route if they walk or cycle, or make sure they know where bus stops are.

Stick to the uniform code so your child feels more comfortable from Day One.

Make sure they have emergency money and credit on their mobile phone if it is allowed in school.

Plan any changes you may have to make at home such as more time and space for homework.

Encourage them to join extra-curricular clubs because they are a great way to make friends. If they really don’t like it, they can stop at half-term.