A letter to Lily - Starting School

It's 10 minutes past 8 on Wednesday 6th September 2017. Tomorrow you start school.


They have a staggered start, which basically means that you won't spend a full day at school for another week.

On your first day you will arrive just after 1pm, hang up your coat and your new school bag and walk into your classroom. You'll only be there a couple of hours and then a couple of hours again on Friday.

Tonight as we read your night time book (we're reading Heidi Grows Up at the moment) and said your prayers we spoke about school. You said you were excited but nervous and I explained how perfectly natural it is to feel that way. That I feel the same.


I'm excited for you. For years you have been asking whether it is time to go to school. This is your chance to make the most of it.

I want you to grab the opportunity with both hands. Enjoy it. Play and have fun, make the most of the sandpit and the water play, the home corner and the climbing frame.

There is so much to learn. Take your time. This is the first year of so many in full time education. In your future there will be exams, testing, targets and comparisons but in reception it's all about fun and I hope you make the most of it.


Stay funny and crazy. Some days will wear you out but we'll take things easy. Each day as it comes.

Don't worry about making friends. You don't have to be besties with every one in the class. Friendships will come. There will be good times, laughter and games and there will be trickier moments when you fall out and have disagreements. I'm preparing myself for those times, so I'll be ready to listen and help you as best I can.


As I will with everything. Daddy, Ollie and I have your back. You may no longer be a baby, a toddler, a pre-schooler but you will always be our daughter, Ollie's sister. Always my baby, my little girl and my big girl wrapped in the same Lily-shaped parcel and we love you more than you could ever know.

So good luck tomorrow my sweetheart. May it be the first of many great days to come.

I promise not to cry (too much).
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