Navigating the New Year: A Guide for Young People Returning to School, College and Uni in January

As the calendar flips to January, Wirral's young people are gearing up for a return to the classroom after the Christmas break. While the idea of going back to school may cause a range of emotions, there are practical ways to make going back positive and fulfilling experience.

Whether you're excited to see your mates again or feeling apprehensive about the changes ahead. Here are six effective strategies to cope with the back-to-school transition:

Open Up: Talk to a teacher, parent, or carer about your feelings and concerns.

Support: There is loads of support available to you in school from Learning Mentors,to Form teachers to Youth Workers be sure to ask for support if you are struggling.

HSIS: Be sure to check in with your HSIS youth worker if you are looking for advice or just need someone to chat to in school. Information on your HSIS Youth Worker can be found on their page.

To prepare for the return to school, have a think on the following tips:

Reflect and Plan: Write down your hopes and worries to better understand your feelings.

Seek Clarity: Ask questions to parents, carers, or teachers to address uncertainties and concerns.

Organise Early: Pack your bag and ensure you have your uniform ready, gradually adjusting to an early routine.

Emotional Outlet: Start yourself a mood journal to write down how you are feeling both before and after the return to school.

Patience: Understand that it might take time to adapt to the school routine, and that's perfectly okay.