The start of a new school year is an exciting milestone for many children. New teachers, new classmates and a return to routine can help children feel settled after the summer holidays. However, for separated parents, the beginning of the school term can also bring new challenges when it comes to child contact arrangements.
As children grow older, their routines naturally change. School hours, homework, after-school clubs, sports, childcare and parents’ work commitments can all affect the arrangements that were previously in place. If your current child contact arrangements are no longer working, the start of a new school year is often the perfect opportunity to review them.
At Lanarkshire Law Practice, our experienced family law solicitors regularly advise parents throughout Lanarkshire and across Scotland on child contact, child residence and parental responsibilities and rights. In this guide, we explain why school can affect child arrangements, what Scottish law says, and how parents can work together to put their child’s best interests first.
Why the Start of the School Year Often Brings Changes
During the summer holidays, many families operate on a completely different routine. Children may spend longer periods with each parent, holidays may be shared differently, and school runs are replaced with childcare or family activities.
Once school begins again, those arrangements may no longer be practical, leading parents to explore different childcare options.
Common reasons parents review child contact arrangements include:
- Changes to school start and finish times.
- One parent changing jobs or working hours.
- Children starting nursery, primary school or secondary school.
- After-school clubs, sports or music lessons.
- School transport arrangements.
- New childcare requirements.
- One parent moving closer to or further away from the school.
What worked well a year ago may not suit your child’s current needs. Rather than waiting for disagreements to arise, reviewing arrangements before the school term begins can help avoid unnecessary conflict.
What Does Scottish Law Say About Child Contact?
In Scotland, decisions involving children are guided by one key principle: the welfare of the child comes first.
When parents cannot agree, the court will always consider what arrangements are in the child’s best interests. This means the focus is not on what either parent wants, but on what is likely to benefit the child.
The court may consider factors such as:
- The child’s age and maturity.
- Their emotional, educational and physical needs.
- The relationship they have with each parent.
- The importance of maintaining stability.
- Whether the child is old enough to express a view.
- Any concerns about the child’s safety or wellbeing.
Scottish law encourages parents to reach agreements wherever possible. Court proceedings are generally viewed as a last resort, particularly where parents are able to communicate and negotiate constructively.
Why Stability Matters During the School Year
Children thrive on routine.
Returning to school can already be a significant adjustment, particularly for younger children or those moving to a new school, especially when child custody arrangements need to adapt accordingly. Consistent child contact arrangements can help provide reassurance and reduce uncertainty during this period.
Stable arrangements can benefit children by providing support through:
- Providing predictable routines.
- Supporting attendance and punctuality.
- Allowing time for homework and revision.
- Reducing stress and anxiety.
- Helping children participate in extracurricular activities.
- Maintaining strong relationships with both parents.
Where possible, parents should aim to minimise disruption and avoid placing children in the middle of disagreements.
Practical Matters Parents Should Discuss
Before the school year begins, it can be helpful to sit down and discuss how day-to-day arrangements will work.
Topics to consider include:
School Drop-Offs and Collections
- Who will take the children to school?
- Who will collect them at the end of the day?
- Will grandparents or childcare providers be involved, or should you explore additional childcare options?
Clarifying these arrangements in advance, possibly through a child arrangements order or by addressing child custody concerns, can prevent confusion.
Homework and Study
As children progress through school, homework often becomes more demanding.
Parents should consider:
- Where homework will be completed.
- How information from school will be shared.
- Whether both parents have access to online learning platforms.
- Supporting exam preparation for older children.
Consistency between households can help children stay organised.
After-School Activities
Many children participate in football, dance, swimming, scouts or other clubs.
Discuss:
- Who will transport the child.
- How costs will be shared if appropriate.
- Whether activities affect overnight contact.
- Ensuring both parents can attend performances or matches where appropriate.
School Events
Parents’ evenings, school plays, sports days and award ceremonies are important moments in a child’s education.
Where appropriate, both parents should be kept informed about their responsibilities so they can remain involved in their child’s life.
Communication Makes a Difference
Open and respectful communication often prevents small issues becoming larger disputes.
While communication may not always be easy following separation, keeping discussions focused on the child’s needs can make conversations more productive.
Many parents find it useful to:
- Agree arrangements well in advance.
- Confirm plans in writing.
- Inform each other about school updates.
- Share important letters and emails from school.
- Discuss any changes as early as possible.
A cooperative approach usually benefits everyone involved—especially the child.
What If We Can’t Agree?
Unfortunately, not every family is able to agree on child contact arrangements.
Disagreements may arise about:
- Overnight contact during the school week.
- School catchment areas.
- Holiday arrangements.
- Extracurricular activities.
- Which parent should collect the child.
- Changes to existing routines.
If discussions about responsibilities have broken down, seeking legal advice early can often help prevent matters escalating.
A family law solicitor can explain your legal rights and position, assist with negotiations and help explore solutions that work for your family.
In many cases, agreement can be reached without the need for court proceedings.
Can Existing Child Contact Arrangements Be Changed?
Yes. Child contact arrangements should evolve as children grow and circumstances change.
For example:
- A child may start secondary school.
- A parent may begin shift work.
- One parent may relocate.
- Children may become more involved in sports or hobbies.
- Teenagers may wish to spend time differently than younger children.
If your arrangements are no longer practical, reviewing them can help ensure they continue to meet your child’s needs.
However, if arrangements are contained within a court order, you should seek legal advice before making significant changes.
When Should You Seek Legal Advice?
Speaking to a family law solicitor sooner rather than later can often save time, stress and unnecessary conflict.
You may wish to obtain legal advice if:
- Child contact arrangements are no longer working.
- Your former partner refuses to follow the agreed arrangements.
- You cannot agree on school-term routines.
- You are worried about your child’s welfare.
- One parent wishes to relocate.
- Communication has completely broken down.
- You need to apply for or vary a child arrangements order.
Every family’s circumstances are different, and tailored legal advice can help you understand the options available.
