Last Updated on: 31st August 2025, 11:02 am
A recent study has found that separated parents face recurring conflicts as children return to school, with term-time parenting arrangements and school-related expenses topping the list of disputes.
The research, undertaken by family mediation experts Mediate UK, analysed anonymised enquiries and live cases across England and Wales during the back-to-school season. The findings suggest a shift in parental disagreements as families transition from summer schedules to term-time routines.
Data from August 2024 and August 2025 shows that 41% of school-related enquiries involved clashes over contact schedules and handovers linked to new school timetables. A further 23% focused on arguments surrounding costs for uniforms, sports kits, and digital devices, while 15% concerned after-school activities and wraparound care, including collection arrangements and related fees.
The study highlights how these disputes often arise just weeks after holiday plans have been settled, increasing pressure on families already managing sensitive co-parenting situations.
“By late August, many parents tell us they have only just settled summer holiday plans, and suddenly the conversation switches to new timetables, school runs, uniform costs and clubs,” said Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy at Mediate UK. “What we are seeing is a consistent annual pattern where families who thought they had everything sorted suddenly find themselves facing a completely new set of challenges. The emotional and financial strain of back-to-school preparations can quickly escalate minor disagreements into major conflicts.”
Knauf added: “Mediation gives families a safe space to sort out the practical detail, such as who is doing which pick-up, how to share the cost of school uniform or electronic devices, and how handovers work if a child is starting a new school. It helps children start a new school year with clear, workable arrangements. The earlier families address these issues, the less disruptive they become for everyone involved, especially the children.”
- Term-time child arrangements and handovers (41% of cases)
- School pick-ups, drop-offs and travel logistics (25% of cases)
- School uniform, PE kit and device costs (23% of cases)
- After-school clubs and wraparound care times and fees (15% of cases)
- Homework routines and communication between homes (13% of cases)
- Holiday handover points for October half-term (6% of cases)
- Parents’ evenings and school events attendance (4% of cases)
- Address for school records and emergency contacts (2% of cases)
- Bedtimes and weekday screen-time rules (2% of cases)
- How new partners fit around established school routines (1% of cases)
