A Christchurch primary school principal says teachers are doing an amazing job supporting children starting school.
The Growing Up in New Zealand government report released yesterday found the majority of children transitioned well into primary school - but 20 per cent of those children can struggle socially.
Mairehau Primary School principal John Bangma says his staff come along with a positive attitude, realising there's no silver bullet that will fix things for kids having a tough time fitting in.
"We see children over time that you roll your eyes at a bit in the beginning thinking this is going to be a challenge that just flourish into these really great kids as they get a bit older."
Bangma says it's hard pinpointing one reason for the challenges children face.
He says it could range from earthquake-related stress to home experiences or being an only child.
"For some of them it's a big learning curve on how they need to adjust to school life and the expectations of being in close proximity with a whole group of other children and not always having the choices of saying what they're going to do."
Bangma says children have to be approached individually.
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