The Psychology of Starting School

Claire Hughes is a Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Cambridge, where she is the Deputy Director of the Centre for Child and Family Research. Her research interests include school readiness, family relationships, and individual differences in children's self-regulation and social understanding. Caoimhe Dempsey is an early career researcher. Caoimhe recently completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge, where her research focused on families during the transition to primary school. She has experience working in the field of developmental psychology in Ireland, UK, and New Zealand. Elian Fink is an Assistant Professor in Developmental Psychology at the University of Sussex. She specialises in children’s play and peer relationships, with a focus on how to support children in making and maintaining friendships during the transition to primary school.

1. Starting School – A Very Special Transition! 2. Making and Keeping Friends at The Transition to School 3. Routines and Family Relationships 4. Building Children’s Thinking Skills Beyond Literacy and Numeracy 5. Supporting Children’s Mindreading Skills 6. Bridging Home and School 7. A Spotlight on Teachers and Their Importance 8. Diversity in The Classroom 9. Promoting Wellbeing Through Relationships, Skill-Building and Fostering Positive Contexts 10. Further Resources