Tips for UK Families on the return of the new school year

As summer draws to a close in just a few weeks, the excitement but also dread of heading back to school begins to bubble up for families across the UK. After a leisurely break enjoying the much-needed time away from the classroom, it’s time to shift gears and get back into the school routine.

Sometimes this transition can be challenging for both parents and children. In this week’s blog, we wanted to help provide valuable tips for UK families to smoothly transition from summer holidays to school days. This will include general tips on getting back to school but also ways of how, we as a company, can provide a service to help create perfect shades for homes and school spaces.

We’ll explore the importance of blackout blinds or shutters in creating an optimal sleep environment for children. We’ll also introduce you to the range of blinds we can offer to enhance school environments. Let’s take a look:

Tips for UK Families on Going Back to School:

Gradual Adjustment: Start adjusting sleep schedules a week or two before school starts (mid-August) Gradually shift bedtime and wake-up times to ensure a smooth transition from the more relaxed summer routine to the structured school schedule. Having a good night’s sleep can improve their productivity during the school day (that’s where we come in later!)
Re-establish Routines: Similar to the gradual adjustment, setting consistent morning and evening routines can help children and parents know what to expect and have a schedule to work around. This includes designated homework time, meal schedules, and winding down activities before bed.
Screen Time: A lot of young children now have access to phones and ipads and the effect of hours of screen time can affect developing minds and also sleep. Assuring your little ones have a set routine of screen time can help their productivity and increase how well they sleep. Blue light emitted from electronic screens can disrupt the process of melatonin and therefore our eyes and mind won’t feel as tired, and so turning phones and televisions off around an hour before bed can improve sleep.
Open Communication: Talk to your children about the upcoming school year. Discuss their expectations, any concerns they may have, and the exciting aspects of returning to school. Addressing their feelings can help alleviate anxiety.
School Supplies Prep: Involve your children in shopping for school supplies. This not only gets them excited about school but also helps them feel more prepared and organised. Shops such as The Range, The Works and even Amazon do a range of school supplies to suit every budget!
Healthy Meals: Start incorporating balanced meals into your child’s diet before school starts. Proper nutrition is essential for energy and concentration during school hours.
Designated Study Space: Create a quiet and organized study area at home. Having a dedicated space for homework and study sessions can help improve focus and productivity. We can help provide some useful study/office tips on our blog post!
Physical Activity: Encourage regular physical activity. Exercise is not only crucial for physical well-being but also helps children manage stress and stay focused.

The Benefits of Blackout Blinds or Shutters:

casette roller blinds - the perfect blackout shade — Cassette Roller Blinds – the perfect blackout shade

When it comes to ensuring a good night’s sleep for your children, blackout blinds or shutters play a significant role. This is where The Shutter Studio come in! We provide a range of Blackout shades including Roller and Pleated shades, plus one of our newest additions of Cassette shades. These blinds fit within the cassette itself helping block out any light leaks around the window frame. (see image)

Take a look at the many benefits our range of shades provides:

Light Control: Blackout blinds help block out external light, creating a conducive sleep environment. This is particularly important during the early school mornings in summer when the sun rises before wake-up time.
Better Sleep Quality: Eliminating light disturbances can lead to improved sleep quality and duration, helping children wake up refreshed and ready for the school day.
Melatonin Regulation: A dark room promotes the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. This helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and contributes to a healthier sleep pattern.
Energy Efficiency: Blackout blinds and even our wooden shutters also offer insulation benefits, helping to regulate room temperature. This can lead to energy savings for yourself as parents but also a comfortable sleep environment throughout the seasons.

For more on blackout blinds in children’s rooms, read another blog post we wrote!

The Shutter Studio: Enhancing School Environments:

The Shutter Studio, proudly serving Kent, London, and Surrey, offers a diverse range of blinds and shutters suitable for school and nursery settings. Their expertly crafted window coverings can contribute to a positive learning atmosphere:

Blackout Blinds: The Shutter Studio provides blackout blinds that are ideal for classrooms and nap areas in nurseries. These blinds effectively block out light, creating optimal conditions for children to rest and focus.
Vertical Blinds: Vertical blinds are a practical choice for schools as they allow for precise light control. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
Roller Blinds: Roller blinds are versatile and come in a variety of colours and patterns, adding a touch of vibrancy to classrooms and play areas.
Venetian Blinds: These classic blinds offer excellent light management and privacy control. They can be tilted to allow natural light while preventing glare on screens.

Not just for Windows:

As well as just using blinds for windows, we have previously worked within school environments and provided White Roller blinds to be used as a projector screen! This works really well as it can be adjusted to suit the classroom with either manual or motorised operation!

Let’s get back to school with ease!

As the school bells start ringing once again, preparing your children for a smooth transition from summer holidays to school days is essential.

Following these tips can help you establish routines, manage sleep schedules, and create a positive atmosphere for learning. Additionally, incorporating blackout blinds or shutters from The Shutter Studio can contribute to your child’s overall well-being by ensuring a restful night’s sleep and an optimal learning environment. With their range of blinds tailored for schools and nurseries, The Shutter Studio is your go-to partner in enhancing educational spaces across Kent, London, and Surrey.