How can you make sure your child is thriving at school

For some children, those first weeks of school don’t feel like a fresh beginning at all. Instead, they feel anxious, unsettled, or even a little lost.

If you’re noticing this in your child, you’re not alone. Many parents share the same concerns — wondering if their child is happy, if they’re learning, and if they’re truly in the right environment. These worries are real, and they matter.

At The British School Warsaw (TBSW), we’ve been listening to families and supporting children through moments like this for more than 30 years.

Signs Your Child May Not Be Thriving

Every child has ups and downs, but sometimes the patterns point to something deeper. Here are a few signs parents often notice:

• Reluctance to go to school. Complaints of tummy aches, dragging their feet in the morning, or saying “I don’t want to go.”

• Drop in confidence. A child who once loved raising their hand now stays quiet, or avoids trying new things.

• Loss of interest. They stop talking about their day, or show little enthusiasm for subjects and activities they used to enjoy.

• Frustration with learning. Homework turns into battles, or they say “I can’t do it” more often.

• Struggles socially. They feel isolated, or say they’re finding it hard to make friends.

These are tough things for any parent to witness. The good news? With the right environment, children often bounce back quickly — rediscovering their confidence, curiosity, and joy.

What Makes a Difference

Over the years, families have told us the things that they found at The British School Warsaw that helped their child turn a corner:

• Smaller classes and teachers who really know them. Feeling seen makes a big difference.

• A community where they belong. Making friends across different cultures helps children feel connected.

• Strong support with language. Especially for children learning in English for the first time.

• Learning that feels engaging. Not one-size-fits-all, but adapted to their strengths and challenges.

• A sense of the future. Parents want to know their child will be ready for whatever comes next — whether that’s university in the UK, Europe, North America, or elsewhere.

This is what we focus on every day at The British School Warsaw. We follow the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, but more importantly, we make sure children feel supported as individuals.

Helping Children Settle In

Changing schools — especially if your child is already unsettled — can feel like a big step. We understand. That’s why we put so much care into making transitions as smooth as possible.

• We get to know each child before they arrive, so they feel expected and welcomed.

• We provide extra help with English if needed, so they don’t fall behind.

• We check in regularly with families, so you’re part of the journey too.

Time and again, parents tell us how surprised they are at the difference just a few weeks can make. A child who was once quiet or reluctant often starts smiling again, joining in, and talking about their day.

Finding the Right Fit

If your child isn’t settling this year, it can be worrying. But you don’t have to “wait and see.” Sometimes, the right environment is all it takes for them to flourish.

At The British School Warsaw, we believe every child deserves to feel supported, confident, and inspired to learn.

If you’d like to talk through your situation, we’d be glad to listen.

Get in touch with us to arrange a visit and see if our school could be the right fit for your child.

Because every child should feel happy at school.