PARENTS whose children will be moving from primary to secondary school this September will be urged to talk to their youngsters about the change and any worries they may have.

Changing school is an exciting time for many pupils but others may be anxious and unsettled by the idea of starting a new school.

Bradford Council's Education Social Work Service (ESWS) is asking parents to talk to children in year six about the transfer and is planning to distribute a leaflet - called Goodbye and Hello - containing help and advice before the end of term.

The leaflet encourages parents and children to talk about what the move to secondary school will mean so they can deal with any worries at an early stage.

"Around 6,000 children will be leaving primary school in September and while this can be a time of great excitement and opportunity, it can also create feelings of anxiety due to uncertainty," said Sidiq Ali, attendance and development manager in the education social work service.

"Change can be difficult and it is not unusual for children to feel anxious or unsettled at the idea of starting a new school so it's important that parents talk to them to offer reassurance and build up their confidence."

The leaflet suggests that parents find out as much as possible about their child's new school - for example, the daily routine, lunch times, the name of the class teacher or the head of year.

Planning the journey to their new school also helps and it's important they have a good start by arriving at the new school on time with all the right uniform and equipment, says the leaflet.

Education social workers are attending parents' evenings, assemblies and groups to offer advice, guidance and encouragement to parents. Where necessary they will also work with individual families, as well as groups of pupils, where regular attendance at school may be an issue.

The service has also produced a parent group presentation about school attendance and its direct link to achievement on CD-ROM.

Staff will be happy to give a presentation if three or four community groups want to get together and anyone interested should contact Sidiq Ali or Stephanie Piergies.

Attendance and development managers are on (01274) 754944 for more information.

Children can also be worried about stories they may have heard about bullying at the 'big school'. With that in mind, the ESWS has produced a leaflet that offers advice and guidance to parents and children about bullying and what to do if it happens.

All schools should also have a copy of the Department of Education and Skills (DFES) Bullying Guide and Video for schools and parents, which parents can ask to see.

Councillor David Ward, the Council's Executive Member for Education said: "Its is important that children receive extra support and help during this time of change to make sure they don't begin skipping lessons - which can then lead to regular absence from school and truancy.

"Every school day counts and has a direct link to how well a child does in achieving his or her full potential. We want children to feel happy and confident about changing schools and I urge parents to talk to their children and take advantage of the advice available."

Anyone who wants to discuss any concerns about their child's school attendance or worries about changing schools can contact the Education Social Work Service .