August 2025
The new academic year is just around the corner, and we want to help make the transition back to school as easy as possible.
This special edition of our 'Connect Me' newsletter is packed with useful information and practical advice, from school transport options to support with childcare costs, to help you get ready for the term ahead.
 Find the planned term dates for your child’s school
Individual school term dates and holidays can differ, so please check your own school’s website to find the right information.
 Helping your child prepare for the start of term
While some children are excited about starting a new school year, others might feel anxious after the long summer break. A little preparation can go a long way in helping your child feel calm and confident. Here's some top tips:
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Ease back into a routine by gradually adjusting to term-time sleep schedules
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Talk about school, including what they're excited and nervous about
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Get organised early and sort out what they need for school well ahead of time
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Focus on wellbeing by prioritising sleep, eating healthy food and being physically active
For some children, feeling anxious or overwhelmed at the thought of returning to the classroom isn’t just a case of first-day nerves. These feelings can become so great that they find it hard to go to lessons, or even avoid going to school altogether. This is known as Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).
We’ve worked with children, parents and carers, teachers and other education and health professionals to create a website to help develop an understanding around EBSA and provide resources, so that the right support for children can be accessed when they need it.
It’s packed with helpful tips, advice and resources for families, including how to support your child at home and what help to expect from schools. It has different sections for children who miss some school, those who miss school regularly, and those who do not attend at all, so that families can find the right support for their specific situation.
 Is your child entitled to free school meals?
All children in reception, year one and year two at state schools in England automatically get free school meals.
However, if you receive certain benefits, you are encouraged to apply for free school meals when you enrol your child in school, as this can also help your school to attract additional ‘pupil premium‘ funding to support your child's learning.
Please apply through our website, as this is the quickest and easiest way and will result in you getting an instant decision. Alternatively, call our Education Helpline on 0345 155 1019.
 Travelling to school
Walking, cycling or scooting to school helps children arrive more alert, happier, and ready to learn. It’s also great for parents and carers as it helps keep you active, saves money on travel expenses and protects the environment.
Even small changes, like travelling actively a few days a week or for part of the journey, can make a big difference. Our recycling centres often have bikes and scooters in their resale shops at bargain prices!
If active travel isn’t possible, how about using public transport? And if you need to drive, please consider parking a short walk away to keep school entrances clear of traffic.
Families who qualify for transport support should have received information from us regarding arrangements for the new term, and the majority of school bus passes have now been sent out. If you have not heard from us, or you have a query, please call us on 0345 155 1019.
When it comes to buying school uniform, the costs can add up. The Recycle Devon website has tips and advice to help families plan and get the most wear out of their school uniform.
Websites such as Freegle, Preloved, Gumtree or Freecycle are all good places to pick up bargains! And many schools offer low cost, second hand uniform or uniform swaps.
You can also find out what the latest deals are on buying new uniform from the MoneySavingExpert website.
It's important that your child attends school regularly, not just for their academic success, but because it helps to build their confidence and resilience, develop strong social skills and gives them access to more opportunities in the future.
Even a 90 per cent attendance rate means missing nearly four weeks of school over the year, which can disrupt their learning routines, impact their social development and makes it harder for them to keep up with their classmates.
We understand the appeal of cheaper travel and quieter destinations, but taking children out of school during term time can mean gaps in their learning that are hard to fill.
Please ask for help if a problem arises and your child is finding it difficult to attend school or arrive on time. There is support available.
 Wraparound childcare
Lots of families in Devon need childcare before and after school so that parents and carers can work the hours that they need to. This is is known as wraparound care.
Many schools have a breakfast club or after-school club but nannies and childminders can also often provide childcare around the school day. To find out about existing wraparound care options talk to your school or search our Family Information Directory.
You can also use Ofsted’s 'Find an inspection report' facility to find childcare providers and childminders in your area and see how they are performing.
If you are unable to find suitable childcare our childcare brokerage service may be able to help.
There's lots of information on our website about the support available to help with paying for your childcare.
 Has your child had all their vaccinations?
Childhood diseases can spread easily in those who are not vaccinated in schools and nurseries when mixing with lots of children.
Making sure your child is up to date with their routine immunisations gives them the best protection from what can potentially be very harmful infections such as diphtheria, polio, measles and meningitis. Getting them vaccinated also helps stop illnesses spreading to other family and friends, including those who may be vulnerable to infections due to other illnesses or old age.
A list of vaccinations that your child should have had, by age and by when is available on the NHS website. If you're not sure if your child has had all of their vaccinations, you can check their personal health record (their red book) or contact your child's doctor's surgery (who can advise if appointments are needed to catch up on any missed vaccinations).
If you have any concerns about vaccinations, you can read more about them on the NHS website. There are also vaccination tips for parents and carers to help your child's vaccination appointment go smoothly.
The NHS also has helpful information online to help parents and carers know how long their child should be kept off school when they are ill.
 Is your teen staying in education or training? Don't forget to extend your Child Benefit claim!
Child Benefit is an important financial support for many households and we don’t want to see any eligible family miss out.
You can continue to claim for children after they turn 16 years old if they are staying on in full-time education or training. But you only have until Saturday 31 August to let HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) know!
You can quickly and easily extend your Child Benefit claim on the Government's website or by using the HMRC app. Alternatively you can do by post or by phone.
If your child changes their mind about further education or training, you can simply inform HMRC online or via the HMRC app and payments will be adjusted accordingly.
For more information on Child Benefit for 16-19-year-olds please visit the Government's website.
Devon’s network of Employment Hubs and Youth Hubs offers free, friendly support to anyone aged 16 and over who is exploring options for work, training, or further education. Whether results day brings celebration or uncertainty, the hubs are here to help young people move forward with confidence.
Located in Exeter, Barnstaple, Honiton, Tiverton, Crediton and Newton Abbot, the hubs provide one-to-one guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, career planning, and accessing apprenticeships or training. Advisors work at each person’s pace and offer ongoing support tailored to individual needs.
Youth Hubs Devon, which is part of the Employment Hub service, are based within the six Employment Hubs across the county. They work to support young people aged 16 to 24 on their journey to training and employment, offering support with CV writing, interview support, job and apprenticeship search, other application support, and more.
To find your nearest hub or book an appointment, visit our website or email employmenthub@devon.gov.uk.
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