“But now there's St Ivel advance, a new milk enriched with the right kind of
Omega 3, namely EPA and DHA, the forms the body uses most readily and that have
the biggest impact. Just two glasses will provide your child with 50% of the
recommended daily intake of Omega 3."
But getting ready for the beginning of term may not be as simple as just buying a new pencil case - especially if a child is just starting or is changing school.
Waving goodbye at the gate for the first time is not only a big change for youngsters. It can be a real wrench for parents who often have to fight back tears as they leave their little ones.
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Catherine Hanly, editor of parenting website
raisingkids.co.uk, says: “Starting school is a momentous occasion for both the parent and child.”
But she warns that parents should "try not to cry in front of the child - do your best to hold on until they've gone in to school".
Aside from the emotional aspects of a child's first day at school, there are certain practicalities that parents should take into account, she says.
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"The parent needs to make sure of certain things, like can the child go to the toilet on their own, can they get dressed by themselves, and can they tie their own shoelaces?"
She adds that whatever the age of the child, parents should make sure they have
everything ready for the first day.
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"Create a calm environment at home - you don't want a stressful situation there."
John Dunford, general secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, says one of the best things parents can do is simply be interested in school, particularly if a child is moving to a new one.
"If parents show an interest in what's going to happen there, it can make a big difference. By talking about it to their child, they can reduce the inevitable stress of moving to a new school.
"Parents are normally so pleased that a new term is starting that they can confer that enthusiasm to their child," he says.
Educational psychologist Kairen Cullen says it’s also vital to ensure that there has been talk about school throughout the summer.
"In terms of looking for indicators of possible difficulties, if you see a distinct change in a child's routines or behaviour, have conversations about what might be behind those changes," she says.
Maintaining family routines is important too, as they will keep a child feeling comfortable and secure, despite the potential upheaval of a new school year.
Cullen says practical matters - like planning the route to school and making sure kids have the right gear and uniform - shouldn’t be underestimated.
She warns that if there have been problems at primary school, then the transition to secondary school might prove more difficult.
But she admits that whatever advice professionals will give about situations like going back to school, parents will normally know best.
"There are times when parents need help, and that's where the professionals come in.
"But ultimately, a parent's judgement is worth gold."
:: ASK THE EXPERT
Q: I've heard that consuming Omega 3 could help my child's concentration and learning. Is this true, and if so why, and what does he need to eat or drink to get enough?
A: Children's development and fertility expert Professor Robert Winston says: "Recent scientific studies suggest that Omega 3 fatty acids may play an important role in enhancing learning and concentration in some children.
“For some time now, Omega 3 has been known to be essential to brain and vision development during the last three months of pregnancy, and it could also play a major role in health promotion and disease prevention at every stage of life.
